LOS ANGELES (AP) — Paula Abdul and former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe have agreed to settle a lawsuit through 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 Courtroom on Thursday. It nonetheless should be authorized by a choose.
“I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me,” Abdul said in a statement Friday. “This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle. I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women, facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so that they too can turn the page and begin a new chapter of their lives.”
In his personal assertion, Lythgoe mentioned, “We live in a troubling time where a person is now automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent, a process that can take years. That is why, like Paula, I am glad to be able to put this behind me. I know the truth and that gives me great comfort.”
The court docket submitting mentioned the settlement was unconditional, however didn’t reveal the phrases, and Abdul’s legal professional Melissa Eubanks mentioned she couldn’t touch upon them
The lawsuit filed practically 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 referred to as “an appalling smear.”
After different lawsuits had been filed alleging sexual misconduct, Lythgoe stepped down in January from his position as a choose on “So You Think 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 achieved.
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 worry of retaliation by “one of the most well-known producers of television competition shows.”
She alleged that the primary sexual assault occurred whereas Abdul and Lythgoe had been on the street 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 “began shoving his tongue down her throat.” Abdul pushed him away and ran to her lodge room when the elevator doorways opened.
“In tears, Abdul quickly called one of her representatives to inform them of the assault,” the lawsuit says, “but ultimately decided not to take action for fear that Lythgoe would have her fired.”
Abdul starred as a choose for the primary eight seasons, leaving in 2009.
In 2015, Abdul turned a choose on “So You Think You Can Dance,” showing alongside Lythgoe.
Round that point, Abdul alleged within the lawsuit, Lythgoe compelled himself on prime 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 swimsuit, Lythgoe mentioned “While Paula’s history of erratic behavior is well known, I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue.”
