Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with ‘American Idol’ producer Nigel Lythgoe
Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe Settle Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Paula Abdul and former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe have reached a settlement in a lawsuit where Abdul accused Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her in the early 2000s when she was a judge on the show.
The settlement was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court and is awaiting approval from a judge. Both parties have yet to comment on the agreement.
The lawsuit, which was filed nearly a year ago, also included allegations of sexual assault by Lythgoe after Abdul had left “American Idol” to become a judge on his other competition show, “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Lythgoe had previously denied the allegations, stating that he was “shocked and saddened” by the claims, which he called “an appalling smear.”
Following the filing of other lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct, Lythgoe stepped down from his role as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” in January.
The 75-year-old producer, known for his work on reality competition shows like “American Idol,” has been a prominent figure in the TV industry in both the U.K. and the U.S.
The Associated Press typically does not disclose the identities of alleged victims of sexual assault unless they choose to come forward publicly, as Abdul has done.
