- Singer Paula Abdul accused producer Nigel Lythgoe
- She says it happened during her time on 'American Idol'
- THIS is what Nigel has said in response
Abdul accused Lythgoe of assault and sexual abuse as well as unfair treatment in an explosive lawsuit. And she has taken her grievances to the Los Angeles County Superior Court, accusing Lythgoe of sexual assault during their time on 'American Idol' and 'So You Think You Can Dance'.
"Shocked and saddened!"
"During one of `American Idol's' initial seasons, while on the road for the show's regional auditions, Lythgoe sexually assaulted Abdul," according to the court papers. "One evening, following the day's auditions, Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the hotel where they were staying. Upon entering the elevator, Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts and began shoving his tongue down her throat."
"Abdul attempted to push Lythgoe away from her and let him know that his behavior was not acceptable. When the doors to the elevator for her floor opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator to her hotel room."
What about his response?
Lythgoe didn't mince words when he spoke to TMZ, expressing his disbelief and distress over the claims. "To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement," he stated.
The producer, known for his work on the show that has churned out music stars for decades, emphasized the platonic nature of their relationship, "For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear, and entirely platonic, friends and colleagues."
The plot thickens
But wait! According to 'Yahoo Entertainment', an interview with Nigel Lythgoe is resurfacing, in which he admitted to "wanting to abuse" Paula Abdul. The interview is making waves one day after Abdul sued the 'So You Think You Can Dance' producer for sexual assault and harassment.
In 2017, Lythgoe spoke with 'Daily Beast,' where he and Abdul discussed her and fellow 'American Idol' judge, Simon Cowell, and their constant bickering on the reality competition singing show -- something that actually helped gain viewership.
During that 2017 interview, Lythgoe admitted he "wanted to be the next person to abuse" Paula Abdul.
"To be able to work with [Abdul] on ‘Idol’ for all those years and see how she was mistreated by Simon [Cowell] … so abused and mistreated...I wanted to be the next person to abuse her," he added.
The comment was laughed off at the time six years ago, as Lythgoe obviously implied it to be a joke. But, based on the allegations, it's something that just doesn't sound good...
What do you think? Despite it all, Paula is looking to welcome the new year in high spirits.
Also interesting:
She is taking action
The original dancing queen!
The allegations, which Abdul claims happened on two separate occasions, have been labeled as "sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and negligence" in her lawsuit. Lythgoe, however, described the accusations as coming "out of the blue" and vehemently denies any wrongdoing. "Not only are the accusations false, but they are also deeply offensive," he declared.
In a defiant conclusion to his statement, Lythgoe made it clear that he's ready to fight these allegations tooth and nail. "I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have," he concluded.
Wow! It looks like the stage is set for a courtroom showdown that will have everyone talking!
