Nigel Lythgoe Vows to Fight Paula Abdul’s Sexual Assault Claims

Abdul recently filed a lawsuit against Lythgoe, accusing him of sexual assault on two separate occasions. She claims that the assaults occurred during the early seasons of American Idol while they were traveling for the show.

According to court documents obtained by the outlet, Abdul recounts how Lythgoe forcefully grabbed her genitals and breasts and forcibly kissed her in a hotel elevator. She immediately ran out and reported the assault to one of her representatives.

Additionally, Abdul alleges that Lythgoe invited her to his home for dinner when they were working together on So You Think You Can Dance between 2015 and 2016.

She claims that he made unwanted advances and attempted to kiss her, proclaiming that they would make an “excellent power couple.” Abdul claimed she pushed him away and left.