Nigel Lythgoe denied Paula Abdul‘s allegations that he sexually assaulted her.
“To say that I’m shocked and saddened by the allegations made in opposition to me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement,” the previous American Idol government producer, 74, mentioned in an announcement to TMZ on Saturday, December 30. “For greater than 20 years, Paula and I’ve interacted as expensive — and completely platonic — mates and colleagues.”
He continued, “Yesterday, nonetheless, out of the blue, I realized of those claims within the press and I need to be clear: not solely are they false, they’re deeply offensive to me and to the whole lot I stand for.”
He concluded, “Whereas Paula’s historical past of erratic conduct is well-known, I can’t faux to grasp precisely why she would file a lawsuit that she should know is unfaithful. However I can promise that I’ll struggle this appalling smear with the whole lot I’ve.”
Hollywood’s Sexual Misconduct Scandals
Whereas Hollywood could seem like all glitz and glam on the floor, the business has seen its justifiable share of scandals by means of the years. The New York Occasions and the New Yorker first printed investigative items in 2017 that accused disgruntled film producer Harvey Weinstein of a long time of sexual assault and harassment. Quickly after, Weinstein stood trial and was […]
Lythgoe didn’t elaborate on what he meant by “erratic conduct.”
Abdul, 61, submitted a lawsuit on Friday, December 29, in opposition to Lythgoe in addition to 19 Leisure Inc., American Idol Productions Inc. and Dance Nation Productions Inc. She is in search of a jury trial and damages for sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment and gender violence, in line with courtroom paperwork obtained by Us Weekly.
The submitting particulars a number of alleged incidents, together with one in an elevator throughout an early season of American Idol, the place Abdul served as a decide for eight seasons from 2002 to 2009.
American Idol government producer Nigel Lythgoe poses with the judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul on Might 25, 2005. Kevin Winter/Getty Photos
“Upon getting into the elevator, Lythgoe shoved Abdul in opposition to the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and started shoving his tongue down her throat,” the courtroom docs declare. “Abdul tried to push Lythgoe away from her and let him know that his conduct was not acceptable. When the doorways to the elevator for her flooring opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator and to her lodge room. In tears, Abdul rapidly known as one among her representatives to tell them of the assault, however finally determined to not take motion for worry that Lythgoe would have her fired from American Idol.”
Her claims cowl incidents that occurred over a number of years, together with one alleged incident round 2015 when Abdul was engaged on So You Assume You Can Dance, which Lythgoe government produces.
“Lythgoe invited her to dinner at his residence to debate different alternatives for the 2 to work collectively. Believing this to be an expert invitation, Abdul accepted,” the submitting says. “Towards the tip of the night, nonetheless, Lythgoe pressured himself on high of Abdul whereas she was seated on his sofa and tried to kiss her whereas proclaiming that the 2 would make a superb ‘energy couple.’ Abdul pushed Lythgoe off of her, explaining that she was not enthusiastic about his advances, and instantly left Lythgoe’s residence. As with the sooner incident, Abdul feared she could be retaliated in opposition to or blackballed if she spoke out in regards to the incident.”
‘So You Assume You Can Dance’ Judges By means of the Years: Who Left and Why
Serving to to search out America’s favourite dancer! When So You Assume You Can Dance debuted on FOX in 2005, a panel of dance specialists and fanatics had been tapped to hunt out the perfect up-and-coming performers. Nigel Lythgoe, who cocreated the dance competitors sequence alongside Simon Fuller, served as one of many longtime judges since the season 1 premiere. Nevertheless, […]
Abdul filed her lawsuit within the Los Angeles Superior Courtroom beneath California’s Sexual Abuse and Cowl-Up Accountability Act, which allowed victims a one-year window to file sexual abuse lawsuits that may in any other case be exterior the statute of limitations. The deadline expires on Sunday, December 31.
For those who or somebody you understand has been sexually assaulted, contact the Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
