Paula Abdul claims one of many “American Idol” govt producers, Nigel Lythgoe, sexually assaulted her a number of instances whereas she was judging ‘Idol’ and “So You Suppose You Can Dance” … in line with a brand new lawsuit she’s filed.
Paula filed the lawsuit Friday in L.A. County … and within the docs, obtained by TMZ, she alleges the primary assault occurred throughout “one among Idol’s preliminary seasons” whereas they have been on the highway for regional auditions. Paula claims she and Lythgoe bought into an elevator at their resort, and as soon as the doorways closed he shoved her in opposition to the wall and grabbed her genitals and breasts … and tried to tongue-kiss her.
Within the go well with, Paula says she tried to push him away, after which ran to her room as soon as the elevator doorways opened. Paula says she instantly referred to as one among her reps to tell them in regards to the alleged incident — however fearing she’d be fired in retaliation, she determined to maintain quiet.
She says the second alleged encounter occurred after she signed a brand new contract in 2015 to be a decide on ‘SYTYCD’ — which was additionally govt produced by Lythgoe. In line with the docs, sooner or later throughout her 2 seasons on the present, Lythgoe invited Paula to his home to debate work alternatives … and he or she says she accepted as a result of she thought it was an expert state of affairs.
Nonetheless, she claims the night ended with Lythgoe forcing himself on prime of her whereas she was on a sofa … and attempting to kiss her. Within the go well with, she says he was telling her they might make an “glorious energy couple.” Paula says she pushed him off of her, mentioned she was not and instantly left.
Paula alleges there was one other occasion throughout her ‘SYTYCD’ that occurred in 2015 — she claims she witnessed Lythgoe grope one among her assistants.
Except for the disturbing allegations of assault, Paula additionally claims Lythgoe “taunted” her by calling her sooner or later to say they need to have a good time as a result of it had been “7 years and the statute of limitations had run.”
Extra broadly, Paula alleges she was the sufferer of harassment and discrimination — by way of compensation — throughout her time judging ‘Idol.’
She is suing Lythgoe, 19 Leisure and FremantleMedia North America for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.
Paula says she’s coming ahead now because of California’s Sexual Abuse and Cowl Up Accountability Act … which supplies plaintiffs a window to file claims that may in any other case be barred by the statute of limitations.
We have now reached out to Lythgoe for remark, however no phrase again but.
