(Los Angeles) Television producer Nigel Lythgoe announced Friday that he is stepping down from his role as a judge on the show “So You Think You Can Dance” following allegations of sexual assault against him, including against singer and choreographer Paula Abdul.
Published yesterday at 8:16 p.m.
Mr. Lythgoe is also co-creator and executive producer of the Fox dance competition, whose 18th season is scheduled to premiere in March.
“I have informed the producers of So You Think You Can Dance of my decision not to take part in this year’s series,” Mr Lythgoe said in a statement.
“I made this decision with a heavy heart, but of my own free will, because this wonderful program has always been about dance and dancers, and that must continue to be the focus. In the meantime, I am committed to clearing my name and restoring my reputation,” he added.
The 74-year-old English-born Mr. Lythgoe has been a renowned television producer for decades in both the United Kingdom and the United States, where he has appeared on reality shows such as “American Idol.”
In a complaint filed on December 30, singer and dancer Paula Abdul alleges that Mr. Lythgoe assaulted her twice, first in the early 2000s when he was a judge on American Idol, and then again ten years later when he was a judge was on the show So You Think You Can Dance, which she left after two seasons.
Mr Lythgoe called the allegations an “appalling slander” which he plans to fight.
The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly, as Ms. Abdul has done.