WARNING: This article incorporates descriptions of sexual assault.
Paula Abdul has accused former American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her within the early 2000s when she was a decide on the fact competitors present, in accordance with a brand new lawsuit.
The lawsuit filed Friday in Los Angeles additionally accuses Lythgoe of sexually assaulting Abdul after she left American Idol and have become a decide on Lythgoe’s different competitors present So You Assume You Can Dance.
The Related Press typically doesn’t determine alleged victims of sexual assault until they arrive ahead publicly, as Abdul has performed.
Lythgoe mentioned in a press release that he was “shocked and saddened” to listen to of the allegations made by Abdul, who he mentioned he thought-about a “expensive” and “totally platonic” pal.
“Whereas Paula’s historical past of erratic behaviour is well-known, I am unable to faux to know precisely why she would file a lawsuit that she should know is unfaithful,” Lythgoe mentioned within the assertion. “However I can promise that I’ll struggle this appalling smear with every part I’ve.”
In a press release Saturday, Abdul’s lawyer Douglas Johnson applauded the singer and dancer for talking out publicly.
“It was clearly a troublesome determination to make, however Ms. Abdul is aware of that she stands each within the sneakers and on the shoulders of many different equally located survivors, and he or she is set to see that justice is finished,” Johnson mentioned.
The lawsuit states Abdul remained silent for years in regards to the alleged assaults out of worry of retaliation by “probably the most well-known producers of tv competitors exhibits.”
Earlier than American Idol and So You Assume You Can Dance, on which Lythgoe served as a decide for 16 seasons, he was a producer on the British present Pop Idol, which turned a world franchise that features the U.S. iteration starring Abdul.
In keeping with the lawsuit, the primary sexual assault occurred whereas Abdul and Lythgoe had been on the street filming auditions for an earlier season of American Idol, which premiered in 2002.
Abdul says Lythgoe groped her within the elevator of their lodge after a day of filming and “started shoving his tongue down her throat.” Abdul pushed him away and ran to her lodge room when the elevator doorways opened.
“In tears, Abdul rapidly known as certainly one of her representatives to tell them of the assault,” the lawsuit says, “however in the end determined to not take motion for worry that Lythgoe would have her fired from American Idol.”
Abdul, a Grammy- and Emmy-winning artist, starred as a decide for the primary eight seasons, leaving in 2009.
In 2015, Abdul turned a decide on So You Assume You Can Dance, showing alongside Lythgoe.
Round that point, Abdul alleged within the lawsuit, Lythgoe compelled himself on prime of her throughout a dinner at his dwelling and tried to kiss her. Abdul mentioned she once more pushed Lythgoe away and instantly left.
Abdul left the fact present after two seasons. She has not labored with Lythgoe since.
The lawsuit additionally accuses Lythgoe of taunting Abdul in regards to the alleged assaults, saying to her years later that “they need to rejoice” as a result of “the statute of limitations had run.”
Abdul filed the go well with days earlier than the Dec. 31 deadline of a California legislation that opened a one-year window for victims to file lawsuits involving sexual abuse claims after the statute of limitations has run out.
Greater than 3,700 authorized claims had been filed underneath an identical legislation in New York that expired final month.
For anybody who has been sexually assaulted, there may be assist accessible by means of disaster traces and native assist companies through this Authorities of Canada web site or the Ending Violence Affiliation of Canada database. For those who’re in instant hazard or worry to your security or that of others round you, please name 911.
