Los Angeles – Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe, former “American Idol” producer, have reached a settlement in a lawsuit where Abdul accused Lythgoe of sexual assault during their time on the popular TV show. The settlement was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, marking a conclusion to the legal battle initiated last year by Abdul.
Abdul, a Grammy and Emmy-winning artist, expressed relief at the resolution of the case, highlighting the personal challenges she faced throughout this period. She stated her hope that her experience would inspire other women dealing with similar situations to overcome adversity with dignity and move forward in their lives.
Lythgoe, 75, commented on the current climate of public opinion where individuals are often presumed guilty before having the opportunity to prove their innocence. He expressed his satisfaction with putting the matter behind him, confident in his truth providing him comfort.
While the terms of the settlement were not disclosed, the resolution is pending approval by a judge. The complaint, originally filed in December of the previous year, detailed two specific incidents of alleged assault.
The first incident reportedly occurred in 2002, where Abdul claimed that Lythgoe groped her in an elevator after a day of filming “American Idol” auditions. The second alleged assault took place a decade later, in 2012, when Abdul was a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance.” She accused Lythgoe of attempting to kiss her forcibly during a dinner at his home.
Lythgoe has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and an affront to his character. Despite the gravity of the accusations, Lythgoe stepped down as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” earlier in January to focus on clearing his name and restoring his reputation.
Nigel Lythgoe, originally from Wirral, has been a significant figure in the entertainment industry, playing a crucial role in the launch of “American Idol” in the United States in 2002. He also served as a judge on the ITV show “Popstars,” which spawned the band Hear’Say. Recognized for his contributions to the performing arts, education, and charitable efforts, Lythgoe was awarded an OBE in 2015.
While representatives for Lythgoe were approached for further comments, there is a broader context of evolving discussions around sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry, highlighting the challenges and systemic issues faced by participants.
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