The singer-dancer declares that the manufacturer sexually attacked her throughout 2 supposed occurrences.
Paula Abdul at The 57th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on November 8, 2023.
Christopher Polk for Variety
Paula Abdul is taking legal action against Nigel Lythgoe over claims that the previous American Idol and You Think You Can Dance manufacturer sexually attacked her while she was shooting the competitors tv programs.
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The singer-dancer declares in the suit, submitted in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Friday (Dec. 29) and acquired by Signboardthat Lythgoe sexually attacked her on 2 celebrations. The very first circumstances supposedly took place throughout among the early seasons of American Idol and the 2nd occurred in 2014 when she remained in speak to evaluate You Think You Can Dance
Abdul, 61, declares in the match that Lythgoe, 74, initially sexually attacked her in an elevator of a hotel where they were both remaining while taking a trip for among Idol‘s “preliminary seasons.” It does not mention a particular year the supposed event happened.
“Lythgoe pushed Abdul versus the wall, then got her genital areas and breasts, and started pushing his tongue down her throat,” according to court files. “Abdul tried to press Lythgoe far from her and let him understand his habits was not appropriate. When the doors to the elevator for her flooring opened, Abdul lacked the elevator and to her hotel space. In tears, Abdul rapidly called among her agents to notify them of the attack, however eventually chose not to act for worry that Lythgoe would have her fired from American Idol”
Abdul’s problem declares that Lythgoe sexually attacked Abdul once again in 2014 when she was approached for an evaluating position on You Think You Can DanceThe supposed event happened throughout a supper at his home where the 2 were expected to discuss her expert chances, according to the claim.
“Toward completion of the night, nevertheless, 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 outstanding ‘power couple,'” the grievance states. “Abdul pressed Lythgoe off of her, discussing that she was not thinking about his advances, and instantly left Lythgoe’s home.”
The fit likewise declares that Abdul saw Lythgoe sexually attack among her assistants while shooting You Think You Can Dance in 2015. Lythgoe presumably “pushed himself” versus the female and “started to search her” without authorization, court file states.
The “Straight Up” hitmaker’s match even more declares that Lythgoe ridiculed her on the phone about his supposed attacks and states that he “plainly understood that his attacks of Abdul were not simply incorrect however that he held the power to keep her quiet.”
In addition to Lythgoe, the programs’ production business American Idol Productions, Dance Nation Productions, 19 Entertainment and Fremantlemedia North America are likewise noted as accuseds. Abdul is taking legal action against the offenders for sexual assault/battery, unwanted sexual advances, gender violence and carelessness.
In a declaration acquired by The Associated Press on Saturday, Abdul’s legal representative Douglas Johnson praised the vocalist and dancer for speaking up openly.
“It was plainly a hard choice to make, however Ms. Abdul understands that she stands both in the shoes and on the shoulders of numerous other likewise located survivors, and she is identified to see that justice is done,” Johnson stated.
Lythgoe stated in a declaration that he was “stunned and saddened” to become aware of the accusations made by Abdul, who he stated he thought about a “dear” and “completely platonic” good friend, The AP reports.
“While Paula’s history of irregular habits is popular, I can’t pretend to comprehend precisely why she would submit a suit that she should understand is incorrect,” Lythgoe stated in the declaration. “But I can assure that I will battle this terrible smear with whatever I have.”