Nigel Lythgoe isn’t decreasing without a battle.
The “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” manufacturer states Paula Abdul’s claims of sexual attack versus him are “incorrect” and “deeply offending,” and he prepares to show his innocence in court.
“To state that I am surprised and saddened by the claims made versus me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement,” he informed Page Six in a declaration on Saturday.
“For more than 20 years, Paula and I have actually engaged as dear– and totally platonic– good friends and associates.”
He continued, “Yesterday, nevertheless, out of the blue, I discovered of these claims in journalism and I wish to be clear: not just are they incorrect, they are deeply offending to me and to whatever I mean.”
“While Paula’s history of irregular habits is popular, I can’t pretend to comprehend precisely why she would submit a claim that she should understand is incorrect.”
“But I can guarantee that I will battle this terrible smear with whatever I have,” he concluded.
Lythgoe didn’t elaborate on what he indicated by “irregular habits,” however it’s possible he’s describing her supposed affair with previous “American Idol” entrant Corey Clark from the mid-2000s, which she has actually constantly emphatically rejected.
The famous choreographer submitted her suit versus Lythgoe on Friday, declaring that she was sexually attacked by him on 2 various celebrations.
She likewise declares that she was bothered by him, and a 2017 interview that has actually because resurfaced programs he when joked about wishing to “abuse” her.
The 61-year-old vocalist– who just recently visitor evaluated an episode of “Dancing With destiny” — declares that throughout early seasons of “Idol,” Lythgoe sexually attacked her in a hotel elevator while they were taking a trip for the program.
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“Lythgoe pushed Abdul versus the wall, then got her genital areas and breasts, and started pushing his tongue down her throat,” the court files, which Page Six acquired, state.
“Abdul tried to press Lythgoe far from her. When the doors to the elevator for her door opened, Abdul lacked the elevator and to her hotel space. Abdul rapidly called among her agents in tears to notify them of the attack.”
Abdul declares a 2nd event occurred while she worked along with him as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” in between 2015 and 2016.
She declares that Lythgoe, now 74, welcomed her over to his home for supper and she accepted as she thought it was a “expert invite.”
“Toward completion of the night, Lythgoe required himself on top of Abdul while she was seated on his sofa and tried to kiss her while announcing that the 2 would make an exceptional ‘power couple,'” court files state. “Abdul pressed Lythgoe off of her, describing that she was not thinking about his advances and right away left.”
Court files more state that Abdul likewise apparently experienced Lythgoe sexually attack among her assistants in 2015.
Abdul likewise declares that Lythgoe “verbally insulted and belittled” her in a conference before she formally signed on to evaluate “American Idol” in April 2002.
Throughout her 8 season on the program, she likewise felt victimized.
The “Straight Up” vocalist even more stated she picked not to speak out about any of the claims at the time over worry of retaliation from her previous manager.
Abdul’s attorney– handling partner Douglas L. Johnson of Johnson & & Johnson LLP– additional informed Page Six, “Ms. Abdul must be applauded for the tremendous nerve needed to act versus the kind of abuse that was caused upon her.”
“Particularly when the declared abuser is a figure so dominant in her occupation.”
“It was plainly a tough choice to make, however Ms. Abdul understands that she stands both in the shoes and on the shoulders of numerous other likewise positioned survivors, and she is identified to see that justice is done.”