Why is Paula Abdul Suing American Idol EP Nigel Lythgoe

Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer behind reality shows such as American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, alleging sexual assault.

The 61-year-old singer, actor, and TV personality gained prominence as a choreographer for The Jacksons in the late Eighties.

Subsequently, she achieved success as a pop singer and later transitioned to a role as a judge on reality competitions, including American Idol and The X Factor in the 2000s.


Abdul filed a lawsuit on December 29, alleging that Lythgoe, 74, sexually assaulted her in an elevator during an early season of American Idol.

She contends that the British-born TV executive pushed her against a wall, groped her breast and genitals, and forcibly kissed her. The suit states that Abdul attempted to push him away and fled to her room when the elevator door opened.

Abdul claims that, years later, Lythgoe invited her to his home for dinner while she served as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.

Expecting a professional meeting, Abdul agreed. Nevertheless, according to the lawsuit, Lythgoe imposed himself on her while she sat on his sofa, declaring they could be a "great power couple" and trying to kiss her. The legal document asserts that Abdul resisted, pushed him away, and left the premises.

The legal case alleges that Lythgoe engaged in verbal harassment, bullying, and discrimination against Abdul.

She asserts being paid less than male judges on American Idol. Additionally, Abdul claims witnessing Lythgoe sexually assaulting one of her assistants in April 2015. She contends that his actions were widely known in the TV industry and were even satirized in a 2008 episode of MADtv.

Abdul has also filed a lawsuit against production companies 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America, American Idol Productions, and Dance Nation Productions, alleging they neglected to hold Lythgoe accountable.

She had signed non-disclosure agreements during her tenure on American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, prohibiting the disclosure of confidential or derogatory information.

Leaving American Idol in 2009 amid pay dispute rumors after eight seasons, Abdul's legal action falls under California's Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act.

This law allows accusers to file specific abuse lawsuits within a one-year window that would otherwise exceed the statute of limitations. The filing deadline is December 31st.

Lythgoe, known for his entertainment career in the Seventies and Eighties, produced British TV shows like Blind Date and Gladiators, later earning the moniker "Nasty Nigel" as a judge on Popstars for his harsh feedback.

FAQs:

Q1: When was Nigel Lythgoe honored with the Order of the British Empire (OBE)?
A1: 2015.

Q2: When was Nigel Lythgoe born?
A2: July 9, 1949.