Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit in opposition to American Idol and So You Suppose You Can Dance producer Nigel Lythgoe alleging that he sexually assaulted her.
Abdul has made a collection of claims throughout her time internet hosting each exhibits within the go well with, which was filed in Los Angeles yesterday (December 29), together with sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.
Lythgoe is but to touch upon the claims and NME has contacted American Idol for remark.
WARNING: The remainder of this text comprises particulars some readers might discover upsetting
Abdul alleged that earlier than taking over the function of one of many judges on American Idol, she met with a number of of the present’s executives in 2001.
Throughout that assembly, Abdul claims that Lythgoe “verbally insulted and belittled” her, calling her a “has been” who “in all probability wouldn’t be identified by the present’s contestants”, stories Rolling Stone.
Regardless of her claims, she went on to affix the present in April 2002. However Abdul alleged that she was discriminated in opposition to and paid lower than her fellow male judges and that Lythgoe and the present’s manufacturing bullied her.
In line with the lawsuit, throughout one of many present’s “preliminary seasons” Lythgoe allegedly sexually assaulted her within the elevator of a lodge room they have been staying at whereas touring for one of many present’s auditions.
It went on: “Lythgoe shoved Abdul in opposition to the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and commenced shoving his tongue down her throat. Abdul tried to push Lythgoe away from her. When the doorways to the elevator for her door opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator and to her lodge room. Abdul shortly referred to as one among her representatives in tears to tell them of the assault.”
Abdul claims she selected to not converse up concerning the allegations over concern of retaliation from Lythgoe, who she stated had the ability to fireside her from her judging posts.
The go well with goes on to say that in 2014, Lythgoe sexually assaulted her once more at his dwelling after inviting her for dinner. Abdul attended believing it to be a “skilled invitation”.
“Towards the tip of the night, Lythgoe pressured himself on prime of Abdul whereas she was seated on his sofa and tried to kiss her whereas proclaiming that the 2 would make a wonderful ‘energy couple,’” the go well with claimed. “Abdul pushed Lythgoe off of her, explaining that she was not fascinated with his advances and instantly left.”
Fearing reprisals, Abdul once more didn’t converse out concerning the claims.
In one other declare, Abdul additional alleged that she witnessed Lythgoe sexually assault one among her assistants named April whereas filming So You Suppose You Can Dance in 2015.
Her go well with was filed below California’s Sexual Abuse and Cowl-Up Accountability Act, which permits accusers to file sure abuse lawsuits that may in any other case fall exterior the statute of limitations inside a one-year window.
