American Idol Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has denied allegations by Paula Abdul, a former judge on the show, who has sued him for alleged assault.
Paula Abdul alleged in the lawsuit that the executive producer forced himself on her on more than one occasion, and that she witnessed him assault one of her assistants as well.
According to documents obtained by Page Six, the American singer and dancer claimed that during the early seasons of the singing competition, Lithgow grabbed her and tried to kiss her while in an elevator.
Since the lawsuit was filed, Lythgoe has denied the allegations in a statement to Page Six. He described these accusations as “false” and “abusive.”
“To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations Paula Abdul has made against me is a gross understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear — and entirely platonic — friends and colleagues.”
He also claimed that Paula Abdul's history with “erratic behavior” is well known.
American Idol Producer Nigel Lythgoe calls assault claim a 'horrific taint'
Friday, December 29, 2023 AD. American Idol Paula Abdul has sued executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, claiming he sexually assaulted her on two occasions.
Once inside an elevator during the early years of the show, the producer allegedly squeezed her and grabbed parts of her body while putting his “tongue down” her throat.
“Abdul tried to push Lithgow away from her. When the elevator doors opened, Abdul ran from the elevator to her hotel room. Abdul quickly called one of her representatives in tears to report the assault.”
She further claimed that while she was a judge So you think you can danceNigel allegedly invited her to dinner and she accepted, thinking it was a “professional invitation”. While she was sitting on the couch, he forced himself on her and tried to kiss her, court documents allege.
According to the papers, the producer told her they would make an excellent “power couple” but indicated she wasn't interested in his advances. In 2015, she claimed she saw him squeezing and kissing one of her aides.
Since the lawsuit, American Idol The executive producer issued a statement to Page Six denying the allegations. He noted that he had learned of these allegations in the press and wanted to clarify that they were false and extremely offensive. However, he stated that he wouldn't go down without a fight.
“But I can promise that I will fight this horrific libel with everything I have,” Nigel noted.
American Idol It has been on the air since 2002 and concluded Season 21 earlier this year. Episodes of the same show can be broadcast on ABC.
