Nigel Lythgoe arrives on the Los Angeles premiere of “Robin Williams: Come Inside My Thoughts” on June 27, 2018.
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
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Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
LOS ANGELES — Paula Abdul and former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe have agreed to settle a lawsuit during which she alleged he sexually assaulted her within the early 2000s when she was a choose on the present.
Abdul filed a discover of settlement of the case in Los Angeles Superior Court docket on Thursday. It nonetheless should be authorised by a choose.
“I’m grateful that this chapter has efficiently come to a detailed and is now one thing I can now put behind me,” Abdul mentioned in an announcement Friday. “This has been an extended and hard-fought private battle. I hope my expertise can serve to encourage different girls, dealing with comparable struggles, to beat their very own challenges with dignity and respect, in order that they can also flip the web page and start a brand new chapter of their lives.”
The courtroom submitting mentioned the settlement was unconditional, however didn’t reveal the phrases, and Abdul’s lawyer Melissa Eubanks mentioned she couldn’t touch upon them.
An e mail looking for remark from attorneys for Lythgoe was not instantly answered.
The lawsuit filed almost a 12 months in the past had additionally accused Lythgoe of sexually assaulting Abdul after she left “American Idol” and have become a choose on Lythgoe’s different competitors present, “So You Suppose You Can Dance.”
Lythgoe mentioned on the time that he was “shocked and saddened” by the allegations, which he known as “an appalling smear.”
After different lawsuits have been filed alleging sexual misconduct, Lythgoe stepped down in January from his position as a choose on “So You Suppose You Can Dance.”
The 75-year-old English-born producer has been a distinguished TV producer for many years in each the U.Ok. and the U.S., engaged on actuality competitors exhibits together with “American Idol.”
The Related Press typically doesn’t establish alleged victims of sexual assault except they arrive ahead publicly, as Abdul has finished.
Abdul, a Grammy and Emmy-winning singer and dancer, mentioned within the lawsuit that she remained silent for years in regards to the alleged assaults out of concern of retaliation by “some of the well-known producers of tv competitors exhibits.”
She alleged that the primary sexual assault occurred whereas Abdul and Lythgoe have been on the highway filming auditions for an early 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 shortly known as one among her representatives to tell them of the assault,” the lawsuit says, “however in the end determined to not take motion for concern that Lythgoe would have her fired.”
Abdul starred as a choose for the primary eight seasons, leaving in 2009.
In 2015, Abdul grew to become a choose on “So You Suppose You Can Dance,” showing alongside Lythgoe.
Round that point, Abdul alleged within the lawsuit, Lythgoe pressured himself on high 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 that actuality present after two seasons. She has not labored with Lythgoe since.
In an announcement on the time of the go well with, Lythgoe mentioned “Whereas Paula’s historical past of erratic habits is well-known, I am unable to fake to grasp precisely why she would file a lawsuit that she should know is unfaithful.”
