TV Producer Nigel Lythgoe Disputes Sexual Assault and Harassment Allegations from Paula Abdul:
TV producer Nigel Lythgoe has denied the sexual assault and harassment accusations made against him by Paula Abdul in a legal response filed on Tuesday. The response, obtained by various media outlets including this one, was submitted to the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
According to Lythgoe’s filing, Abdul’s allegations are “false, despicable, intolerable, and life-changing.” The producer described Abdul as a “well-documented fabulist,” implying that she has a history of making unfounded claims for attention.
Private emails Abdul allegedly sent Lythgoe and posts from her Website social media integration that reference him are cited in the filing. These communications are characterized as “adoring messages and comments” expressing “positive feelings toward Lythgoe.” The producer’s team argues that these communications contradict Abdul’s claims of abuse.
Abdul filed a lawsuit against Lythgoe in December accusing him of sexual assault, harassment, gender violence, and negligence. The complaint outlines two separate incidents allegedly occurring in the early 2000s and in 2015. Lythgoe called the allegations “false” and “deeply offensive” in a statement to TMZ at the time.
In January, Lythgoe announced that he would be stepping away from his duties as a producer on “So You Think You Can Dance.” He stated, “I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”
Abdul also named 19 Entertainment Inc., FremantleMedia North America Inc., American Idol Productions Inc., and Dance Nation Productions Inc. as co-defendants in her lawsuit. The companies have not yet commented on the matter.
Seeking unspecified punitive damages, Abdul filed her lawsuit under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which allows for claims of “damages suffered as a result of a sexual assault” that occurred outside the statute of limitations to be filed within a specific time frame.
Paula Abdul served as a judge on “American Idol” for nine seasons starting from its first season and for two seasons on “So You Think You Can Dance.” “So You Think You Can Dance” has aired 17 seasons on FOX since 2005. Lythgoe is co-creator of the franchise and has served as an executive producer for both the US and UK versions. He judged the show for 16 seasons.
