Paula Abdul Files Lawsuit Against Nigel Lythgoe Alleging Sexual Assault and Harassment

Paula Abdul, the renowned singer and former American Idol judge, lodged a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, the 74-year-old TV producer behind popular competition shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. The legal documents, obtained by The Blast, outline a disturbing narrative of alleged verbal abuse and sexual assault dating back to 2001.

Paula asserts that, before joining American Idol, Lythgoe degraded her, labeling her a “has been” celebrity and asserting that contestants wouldn’t recognize her. The lawsuit details instances of verbal insult and belittlement throughout their professional relationship.

The most distressing allegation involves an incident of sexual assault during an early season of American Idol. Describing the event, the lawsuit recounts an evening when Lythgoe purportedly shoved Abdul against an elevator wall, sexually assaulted her, and forcibly kissed her. Abdul, visibly shaken, promptly exited the elevator and reported the assault to her representative.

Adding to the gravity of the accusations, Abdul claims to have witnessed Lythgoe sexually assaulting one of her assistants. The lawsuit paints a picture of a hostile work environment, where Abdul faced discrimination in compensation and benefits compared to her male counterparts on the show.

Paula Abdul served as a judge on American Idol from 2002 to 2009, becoming an integral part of the show’s success. The filing alleges that she endured constant taunts, bullying, humiliation, and harassment from Lythgoe and other executives associated with the show’s producers, 19 Entertainment and Fremantle.

As the legal battle unfolds, the entertainment industry grapples with yet another reckoning, shedding light on issues of power dynamics and mistreatment that have long lurked behind the scenes. The allegations against Nigel Lythgoe not only cast a shadow on his professional conduct but also raised questions about the broader culture within the industry. The coming weeks are likely to see increased scrutiny of the case and its potential implications for workplace dynamics in the entertainment world.

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Talia M.

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