The entertainment world has been shaken by recent allegations made by Paula Abdul against her former boss, Nigel Lythgoe. Abdul, a renowned singer and former judge on "American Idol," has filed a lawsuit claiming Lythgoe sexually assaulted her during the early seasons of the show. The lawsuit details disturbing instances of alleged abuse, including forced physical contact and unwelcome advances.
According to court documents filed on December 29, Abdul described an encounter where Lythgoe pushed her against a wall in a hotel elevator and made inappropriate physical contact. She also claimed that prior to her hiring on "Idol," Lythgoe subjected her to verbal insults and belittlement. Abdul's tumultuous relationship with Lythgoe didn't end there. Years later, while judging "So You Think You Can Dance," she alleges another assault occurred during a dinner party at Lythgoe's home.
A source close to Abdul told In Touch, "For years this has eaten at her. It's been soul-crushing. She's always wanted the truth to come out, and she finally summoned the courage to pull the trigger."
The source added that Lythgoe once taunted Abdul by calling to say they should celebrate the statute of limitations on her claims had expired. However, under a California act, plaintiffs have a window to file a sexual-assault claim even after the statute of limitations has passed.
Lythgoe has responded to the allegations, stating he is "shocked and saddened" by the lawsuit and maintaining that their relationship was entirely platonic. He countered the claims by remarking on Abdul's "history of erratic behavior."
The legal battle took another turn when Lythgoe faced additional accusations from two contestants of the 2003 all-female reality competition show "All American Girl." They filed a lawsuit against him for negligence, sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
These new allegations seem to bolster Abdul's case, though she will still need to prove her assertions in court. Abdul's lawsuit claims she witnessed Lythgoe groping her assistant while judging "SYTYCD" in 2015. If the assistant testifies against Lythgoe, it could significantly impact the case's outcome.
Paula Abdul, now 61, has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades, known for her music career and television appearances. Her decision to come forward with these allegations marks a significant moment in her personal and professional life, as she seeks justice for the alleged wrongs she endured.
As the case proceeds, Abdul remains determined to seek justice and accountability for Lythgoe's alleged actions. The lawsuit is being closely monitored for its potential impact on addressing sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry. The outcome could lead to significant changes in industry practices and policies regarding workplace conduct, influencing how such allegations are handled in the future.
