Grammy-winning artist and American television star Paula Abdul has accused a producer of the television singing competition “American Idol” of sexual assault, according to a lawsuit filed in California.
Paula Abdul, whose 1988 album “Forever Your Girl” was hailed as the most successful debut album in history, has accused Nigel Lythgoe, an “American Idol” producer, of sexually assaulting her twice, the filing said Friday filed lawsuit.
The English producer, also a judge on the television dance competition “So You Think You Can Dance,” denied the allegations, media reported.
In her complaint, the 61-year-old singer said she was harassed by Mr. Lythgoe and other executives on “American Idol,” where she was a judge from 2002 to 2009.
The complaint said the star was discriminated against in terms of pay, adding that “she was the target of constant taunts, intimidation, humiliation and harassment by multiple managers, agents and employees” of the show.
However, the most serious charges are against 74-year-old Nigel Lythgoe.
According to the complaint, Paula Abdul and the producer were traveling together to audition for the competition early in the release of “American Idol” when he attacked her in a hotel elevator, groped her and “shoved his tongue down his throat.”
The second attack dates back to 2015, when Paula Abdul had just agreed to serve as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.” She had gone to Nigel Lythgoe's house for dinner, where he allegedly “tried to kiss her while claiming they would make a great 'power couple'”.
“Abdul remained silent for years about Lythgoe's sexual assault and harassment, fearful of speaking out against one of television's best-known competition producers who could easily destroy her career as a television personality.” “I have a history of protecting powerful men and silencing survivors of sexual assault and harassment made,” the complaint states.
Mr. Lythgoe told NPR Radio he was “shocked and saddened” as he denied the allegations.
Paula Abdul's complaint is the latest in a series of high-profile lawsuits filed ahead of the expiration of part of California's sexual assault and concealment of guilt law on Sunday.