US television industry
The US actress has accused the British television producer of several sexual assaults while she was a judge on hit TV shows
PA Media
Nigel Lythgoe said it was with a heavy heart that he decided to walk away from the next series of So You Think You Can Dance amid allegations of sexual assault.
The announcement comes less than a week after US singer and dancer Paula Abdul accused the British TV producer of multiple sexual assaults while she was a judge on the hit TV shows “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” “ occurred.
Lythgoe was an executive producer on the British talent show Pop Idol and American Idol before co-creating and starring in the 2005 US series So You Think You Can Dance.
“I have informed the producers of So You Think You Can Dance of my decision to withdraw from taking part in this year’s series,” Lythgoe said in a statement to the PA news agency.
“I did this with a heavy heart, but completely voluntarily, because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and the focus must remain there. In the meantime, I am committed to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”
According to US reports, Lythgoe denies the allegations made by Abdul in the California lawsuit, as well as allegations in a second lawsuit filed by two other women.
Abdul said she remained silent “out of fear of speaking out against one of the most well-known producers of television competition shows who could easily destroy her career as a television personality,” the documents said.
Lythgoe was a producer and appeared as a judge on the talent show “Popstars” in 2001. Thanks to his sharp comments towards the contestants, he earned the nickname “Nasty Nigel”. This show opened the door for shows like American Idol and The X Factor and changed television forever on both sides of the Atlantic.
After joining the BBC's dance group The Young Generation in 1969, Lythgoe became a choreographer at the age of 21.
He has worked on more than 500 TV shows including Morecambe and Wise, The Two Ronnies and Gladiators, as well as some of the biggest names in show business including Gene Kelly and Bing Crosby.
A spokesperson for So You Think You Can Dance's production companies and network said: “19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions and Fox can confirm that the upcoming season of So You Think You Can Dance will continue, albeit without Nigel Lythgoe joining the show remains committed to the participants who have worked incredibly hard to be able to compete on our stage.
“No decision has been made regarding a replacement judge for this season, which will premiere Monday, March 4 on Fox.”
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