Paula Abdul sues 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe for sexual assault and harassment

Paula Abdul, renowned Grammy-winning entertainer and former judge on hit television shows like “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” has taken legal action against Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer of these popular programs. Allegations of sexual assault, harassment, gender violence, and negligence form the basis of a lawsuit filed recently in Los Angeles County Superior Court, as reported by CNN.

The lawsuit, made public on Saturday, delineates two distinct incidents involving Abdul, occurring in the early 2000s and in 2015, respectively. The complaint details the events, where Abdul accuses Lythgoe of forceful physical advances.

The first incident reportedly took place during regional auditions for “American Idol,” where Abdul asserts that Lythgoe physically restrained her, groped her, and attempted to kiss her against her will. Abdul resisted, expressing her disapproval of his behavior.


The second alleged incident transpired in 2015 during a business dinner at Lythgoe’s residence. Abdul claims Lythgoe made unwanted advances, trying to force himself on her while she was seated on a couch. Again, Abdul rebuffed his actions, clarifying her lack of interest in his advances and emphasizing the professional nature of their meeting.

Abdul refrained from reporting these incidents at the time, citing fear of potential professional repercussions. She further contends witnessing Lythgoe assaulting her assistant in another incident in 2015.

In response to these allegations, Lythgoe vehemently denies the claims, labeling them as "false" and "deeply offensive" in a statement to TMZ. He asserts his determination to counter these accusations.

Abdul’s lawsuit targets not only Lythgoe but also involves 19 Entertainment Inc., FremantleMedia North America Inc., American Idol Productions Inc., and Dance Nation Productions Inc. as co-defendants. She accuses these entities of gender violence, sexual harassment, and negligence, holding them accountable for allegedly condoning Lythgoe’s actions by failing to oversee his conduct. Abdul seeks unspecified punitive damages through the legal action.

Seeking comments from Lythgoe and the mentioned companies, CNN has reached out for their response to these allegations.

The lawsuit additionally claims that Abdul faced discriminatory treatment while working on “American Idol,” comparing her treatment unfavorably to that of her male counterparts. Allegations of constant taunting, bullying, humiliation, and harassment directed at Abdul during her tenure on the show are outlined in the complaint.

Abdul asserts that these incidents have caused severe emotional distress, anxiety, humiliation, and other physical and emotional injuries. Her legal team, represented by Douglas L. Johnson, emphasizes Abdul's determination to seek justice and stand in solidarity with other survivors.

Filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, Abdul’s lawsuit leverages provisions that allow claims of damages resulting from sexual assault outside the statute of limitations to be filed within a specified period.