Nigel Lythgoe is within the crosshairs of an investigation by the studio that produces his long-running present “So You Suppose You Can Dance” … together with his job presumably hanging within the steadiness.
Sources with direct data inform TMZ … the embattled EP of the hit actuality competitors present is on the middle of an inside probe being carried out by Sony Photos Tv — which co-produces ‘SYTYCD’ beneath its subsidiary 19 Leisure, alongside Dick Clark Productions.
We’re instructed Sony’s wanting into latest claims of sexual assault and harassment made towards Nigel — who created ‘So You Suppose’ with Simon Fuller, and has served as an govt producer since its inception, to not point out a constant decide till he stepped away in ’22.
In fact, what Sony’s investigating right here is Paula Abdul‘s allegations — which she made in an explosive lawsuit … claiming she’d been sexually assaulted by Lythgoe twice, as soon as within the early 2000s throughout her ‘Idol’ stint and once more within the 2010s whereas she judged on ‘SYTYCD.’
Bear in mind, because it pertains to the latter allegation — which is what Sony’s involved with right here — she alleged Lythgoe invited her to his pad to debate work alternatives … solely to allegedly pounce on her in an try and kiss her. PA additionally claimed Lythgoe groped one in every of her assistants throughout her time on the dance present.
Lythgoe denies Paula’s claims, saying they’re “deeply offensive” to every thing he stands for and completely false.
Our sources say that whereas Sony digs into this matter, no resolution has been made on whether or not Nigel shall be allowed to remain on as an EP. It additionally stays to be seen if he’ll function a decide — this regardless of the very fact he was introduced to return to his chair final month for Season 18 … which can begin airing in March. He wasn’t a decide throughout this previous season.
In all probability price noting … Paula named 19 Leisure as a defendant in her swimsuit too — alleging sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.
