Nigel Lythgoe quits as TV decide following Paula Abdul sexual assault allegations

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Nigel Lythgoe has stepped again from his function as a decide on US TV collection So You Suppose You Can Dance following allegations of sexual assault made by Paula Abdul.
Abdul filed a lawsuit towards Lythgoe, who co-created the US present and likewise served as a producer on American Idol, on December 29. The go well with, which was filed in Los Angeles, made a collection of claims throughout her time internet hosting each reveals, together with sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.
Lythgoe had denied the claims, calling them “false” and “deeply offensive”.
“To say that I’m shocked and saddened by the allegations made towards me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement,” Lythgoe’s assertion learn. “For greater than twenty years, Paula and I’ve interacted as expensive – and completely platonic – mates and colleagues. Yesterday, nonetheless, out of the blue, I discovered 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 every little thing I stand for.”
It continues: “Whereas Paula’s historical past of erratic habits 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 battle this appalling smear with every little thing I’ve.”
Now, Lythgoe has departed So You Suppose You Can Dance “totally voluntarily” in a bid to keep away from the allegations overshadowing the present.
“I’ve knowledgeable the producers of So You Suppose You Can Dance of my resolution to step again from taking part on this 12 months’s collection,” Lythgoe mentioned in an announcement.
“I did so with a heavy coronary heart however totally voluntarily as a result of this nice programme has all the time been about dance and dancers, and that’s the place its focus wants to stay. Within the meantime, I’m dedicating myself to clearing my identify and restoring my popularity.”
The 18th season of So You Suppose You Can Dance is because of start in March. Fox, which broadcasts the present, and its producers have mentioned in an announcement quoted by US media that it will go forward with out Lythgoe.
Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe CREDIT: Getty
Abdul’s quite a few allegations date again to 2001, claiming that in her first assembly with the American Idol executives, previous to her becoming a member of the judging panel, Lythgoe “verbally insulted and belittled” her, calling her a “has been” who “most likely wouldn’t be identified by the present’s contestants” (per Rolling Stone).
Regardless of her claims, she went on to hitch the present in April 2002. However Abdul alleged that she was discriminated towards and paid lower than her fellow male judges and that Lythgoe and the present’s manufacturing bullied her.
In line with the lawsuit, throughout one of many present’s “preliminary seasons” Lythgoe allegedly sexually assaulted her within the elevator of a lodge room they had been staying at whereas touring for one of many present’s auditions.
It went on: “Lythgoe shoved Abdul towards the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and started shoving his tongue down her throat. Abdul tried to push Lythgoe away from her. When the doorways to the elevator for her door opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator and to her lodge room. Abdul rapidly known as considered one of her representatives in tears to tell them of the assault.”
Abdul claims she selected to not converse up concerning the allegations over worry of retaliation from Lythgoe, who she mentioned had the facility to fireside her from her judging posts.
The go well with goes on to say that in 2014, Lythgoe sexually assaulted her once more at his house after inviting her for dinner. Abdul attended believing it to be a “skilled invitation”.
“Towards the tip of the night, Lythgoe pressured himself on prime of Abdul whereas she was seated on his sofa and tried to kiss her whereas proclaiming that the 2 would make a wonderful ‘energy couple,’” the go well with claimed. “Abdul pushed Lythgoe off of her, explaining that she was not keen on his advances and instantly left.”
Fearing reprisals, Abdul once more didn’t converse out concerning the claims.
In one other declare, Abdul additional alleged that she witnessed Lythgoe sexually assault considered one of her assistants named April whereas filming So You Suppose You Can Dance in 2015.
Her go well with was filed below California’s Sexual Abuse and Cowl-Up Accountability Act, which permits accusers to file sure abuse lawsuits that may in any other case fall exterior the statute of limitations inside a one-year window.
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