Nigel Lythgoe sued again over alleged sexual abuse - US media

Nigel Lythgoe faces new sexual abuse allegations from two All American Girl contestants, following prior claims against singer Paula Abdul. This comes as he is sued again, as reported by US media.

The allegations on Nigel Lythgoe from two All American Girl contestants follow claims of assault by singer Paula Abdul.

The lawsuit alleges that during the filming of the series in 2003, Lythgoe engaged in openly groping behavior towards them and made unwelcome advances after the show concluded. This follows shortly after singer Paula Abdul filed a lawsuit against him, citing multiple instances of assault. The BBC has reached out to Lythgoe’s representatives seeking their comment on the matter. In a statement last week, he refuted Abdul’s accusations, expressing shock at the allegations.

Lythgoe, aged 74, served as a producer on All American Girl, a talent competition that aired for a single season in 2003.

While the court documents obtained by the BBC do not specifically mention him by name, multiple US media outlets claim to have independently verified his identity.

As per the documents, two women have come forward alleging that he repeatedly entered their dressing rooms and inappropriately touched their buttocks while they were dressed in dance costumes.

Additionally, the women claim that following the show’s finale, Lythgoe took both of them to his residence in Los Angeles where he allegedly made unwelcome sexual advances towards them.

One woman recounts an incident where he attempted to kiss her after enveloping her in his sweater, an advance she rejected. The other woman alleges that he pushed her against a grand piano and tried to forcibly kiss her.

Both women, who have chosen to remain anonymous in the lawsuit, are suing him for purported sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Abdul has filed a lawsuit against the TV mogul, alleging instances of assault during their time working together on American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.

Lythgoe, serving as an executive producer on American Idol and a co-judge on So You Think You Can Dance, is accused by Abdul of assault during regional auditions for American Idol in the early 2000s. The first incident allegedly occurred in an elevator, where Abdul managed to escape and immediately reported the incident to her representatives.

Another alleged assault took place over a decade later during what Abdul believed to be a professional meeting at Lythgoe’s home. She claims he made advances, declaring they would make a great “power couple,” to which Abdul responded by rejecting his advances.

Additionally, Abdul claims to have witnessed Lythgoe assaulting one of her assistants during the filming of So You Think You Can Dance in Las Vegas.

The lawsuit also accuses Lythgoe of contacting Abdul, insinuating that the statute of limitations had expired, and suggesting they should celebrate together.

Lythgoe vehemently denies these allegations, stating that their relationship was strictly professional and platonic. He asserts that the claims are not only false but deeply offensive and promises to defend himself vigorously against what he calls an appalling smear.