Nigel Lythgoe might deny Paula Abdul’s sexual assault allegations, however historical past seems to be talking loud and clear for itself…
As we’ve been reporting, the pop star filed a bombshell lawsuit in opposition to the TV producer on Friday alleging that on two events, he sexually assaulted her. And now, an especially unsavory interview is resurfacing that doesn’t bode properly for his protection.
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Shortly after the 61-year-old filed her go well with, a 2017 interview with the Every day Beast popped up by which Nigel commented on how she was “mistreated” by fellow choose Simon Cowell on American Idol. He mirrored on working with for “all these years” on the singing competitors, and seeing how “she was mistreated by Simon.” Besides as a substitute of talking up for her sake, his thoughts apparently went in one other, darker course. He mentioned on the time:
“So abused and mistreated. I needed to be the following particular person to abuse her.”
WTF?!
How may he discuss somebody like that?? And RIGHT in entrance of her?! Disgusting. Poor Paula!
In her go well with, the Grammy winner alleged that the primary assault occurred within the early 2000s throughout “one in every of Idol‘s preliminary seasons.” She claimed the 2 had been in an elevator collectively when the 74-year-old pushed her up in opposition to a wall and tried to kiss her whereas groping her genitals and breasts. The second occurred years later in 2015 when she signed on to guage for So You Assume You Can Dance. She claimed within the go well with that Nigel invited her over for what she thought can be knowledgeable assembly to debate work alternatives. However as a substitute, he allegedly compelled himself on prime of her and tried to kiss her.
The English producer has since addressed the go well with in a dismissive assertion that appeared to attempt to discredit Paula. He mentioned on Saturday:
“To say that I’m shocked and saddened by the allegations made in opposition to me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For greater than 20 years, Paula and I’ve interacted as expensive — and completely platonic — pals and colleagues. Yesterday, nevertheless, 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 all the pieces I stand for. 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 combat this appalling smear with all the pieces I’ve.”
Messed-up stuff. And that resurfaced interview is simply… oof. Not a superb look.
For those who or somebody you understand has skilled sexual violence and want to be taught extra about assets, take into account testing https://www.rainn.org/assets
[Images via NBC/YouTube & FayesVision/Brian To/WENN]
