Singer and choreographer Paula Abdul has accused Nigel Lythgoe, former producer of the reality show American Idolof sexually assaulting her in the early 2000s, while she was part of the show’s jury, according to a new complaint.
The lawsuit filed Friday in Los Angeles also accuses Nigel Lythgoe of sexually assaulting Mme Abdul after she left American Idol to become a judge on Nigel Lythgoe’s other competition show, So You Think You Can Dance (Dance fever in Quebec).
The Associated Press generally does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault unless they come forward publicly, as M.me Abdul.
In a statement made on Saturday, Mr.me Abdul, Douglas Johnson, praised the singer and dancer for speaking out publicly.
He indicated that the “decision was difficult to make”, but that Mme Abdul “is determined to ensure that justice is done.”
In a statement, Mr. Lythgoe said he was “shocked and saddened” to learn of Ms.me Abdul, whom he considers a “dear” friend and “entirely platonic” friendship.
“Although Paula’s erratic behavior is well known, I cannot pretend to understand exactly why she would bring a legal action that she must know is false,” Mr Lythgoe said.
“But I can promise you that I will fight this appalling defamation with everything I have,” he added.
The complaint states that Mme Abdul kept silent for years about the alleged assaults for fear of retaliation from “one of the most well-known producers of television competition shows.”
Before American Idol And So You Think You Can Dancefor which Mr. Lythgoe was a judge for 16 seasons, he was producer of the British show Pop Idolwhich became a worldwide franchise including the American version starring Ms. Abdul.
According to the complaint, the first sexual assault occurred while Mme Abdul and Mr. Lythgoe were on the road filming auditions for a first season ofAmerican Idolwhich premiered in 2002.
Mme Abdul claims Mr Lythgoe touched her in their hotel elevator after a day of filming and “started shoving his tongue down her throat”. Mme Abdul pushed him away and ran to his hotel room when the elevator doors opened.
“In tears, Mme Abdul quickly called one of her representatives to inform her of the assault, but ultimately decided not to act for fear that Mr. Lythgoe would have her fired from the job.American Idol ”, according to the suit.
Mme Abdul, a Grammy and Emmy-winning artist, was a judge for the first eight seasons, before leaving the show in 2009.
In 2015, Mme Abdul became a judge on the show So You Think You Can Dancee, appearing alongside Mr. Lythgoe.
It was around this time, according to Ms Abdul’s allegations, that Mr Lythgoe lunged at her during a meal at her home and tried to kiss her. Mme Abdul claims she pushed Mr Lythgoe away again and left immediately.
Mme Abdul left the reality show after two seasons. She has not worked with Mr Lythgoe since.
The suit also accuses Mr Lythgoe of taunting Ms Abdul over the alleged assaults, telling her years later that “they should rejoice” because “the statute of limitations had run out”.
Mme Abdul filed the suit days before the Dec. 31 deadline set by a California law that opened a one-year window for victims to file lawsuits over sexual abuse allegations after the expiration of limitation period.
More than 3,700 complaints have been filed under a similar law in New York, which expired last month.