- Lythgoe accused of assault
- Resignation amid legal allegations
- Abdul initiates lawsuit
“Nasty Nigel” Lythgoe, who gained notoriety for his participation in the British reality show Popstars, has been eliminated from the 18th season of So You Think You Can Dance. In her lawsuit, Paula Abdul, aged 74, alleges that the British national was responsible for sexual assault.
So You Think You Can Dance judge Nigel Lythgoe has announced he is resigning in the wake of sexual assault allegations in the form of litigation.
Paula Abdul, who claims he groped her breasts and genitalia and “began shoving his tongue down her throat” in the early 2000s, is among those who have levelled accusations against Lythgoe.
Lythgoe was a producer on American Idol at the time, whereas the vocalist served as a judge.
The 74-year-old Briton affirmed in a statement that he will not be participating in the March premiere of the 18th season of So You Think You Can Dance.
He explained his decision as follows: “Although I did so voluntarily, I did so with a heavy heart because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that should remain its focus.” Until further notice, I am committing to the process of re-establishing my reputation and cleansing my name.
Abdul’s Allegations and Legal Action
Abdul has stated that she is “shocked and saddened” by Lythgoe’s denial of the allegations and has described her as a “dear” and “completely platonic” acquaintance.
He further stated, “Although the public widely recognizes Paula’s track record of unpredictable conduct. It is difficult to comprehend why she would file a lawsuit that she must be certain is without merit.”
Nonetheless, I can guarantee that I will throw my entire being into combating this abhorrent slander.
Abdul further claims that she was the victim of a second assault in 2015 when she became a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance.
She asserts that Lythgoe attempted to kiss her and forcibly touched her during dinner at his Los Angeles residence, but she repelled him and fled.
In her lawsuit, she accused Lythgoe of ridiculing her, suggesting they celebrate because the statute of limitations had expired.
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Abdul initiated the legal action just days prior to the expiration of a California statute that grants individuals a one-year period to initiate legal proceedings regarding sexual abuse allegations that have surpassed the prescribed time limit.
A judge on the ITV program Popstars, which produced the band Hear’Say, Lythgoe earned the moniker “Nasty Nigel” for his critical admonishments directed at contestants.
