Paula Abdul’s authorized battle in opposition to TV producer Nigel Lythgoe has come to an finish, nearly a 12 months after she sued him over alleged sexual assault.
Court paperwork reviewed by The Times verify that the “Straight Up” pop star and “So You Think You Can Dance” govt producer settled the lawsuit on Monday. Abdul filed an unconditional discover of settlement in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Thursday, indicating {that a} movement to dismiss can be filed inside 45 days. Terms of the deal between the TV stars weren’t revealed.
In a press release shared with the Times, Abdul stated: “I’m grateful that this chapter has ended efficiently and that it’s now one thing I can put behind me.”
“This has been an extended and hard-fought private battle,” he added. “I hope that my expertise can serve to encourage different ladies, who face comparable difficulties, to beat their challenges with dignity and respect, in order that they can also transfer on and begin a brand new chapter of their lives.”
Abdul filed her four-count criticism on Dec. 29, 2023, alleging that Lythgoe sexually assaulted her twice throughout her time on “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Abdul was a choose on “Idol” from 2002 to 2009 and in addition on “SYTYCD” in 2015 and 2016.
In addition to the sexual assault allegations, Abdul stated she was subjected to bullying and harassment and suffered gender pay discrimination throughout her tenure on the hit competitors exhibits. The lawsuit detailed two alleged accounts of sexual assault by Lythgoe, one early in a resort elevator and one other in 2015 on the “SYTYCD” co-creator’s house. Abdul filed his criticism underneath the Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which permits restricted time to file sure civil sexual abuse claims past the same old statute of limitations.
In January, Lythgoe denied Abdul’s allegations. In a press release on the time, he stated he was “shocked and saddened” by her claims. “I need to be clear: not solely are they false, they’re deeply offensive to me and all the things I stand for,” he added. Later that month, Lythgoe confronted further sexual assault allegations as two unidentified ladies sued the producer in a separate lawsuit.
Amid the allegations, Fox introduced that Lythgoe wouldn’t return to “So You Think You Can Dance” for season 18. In late January, Fox revealed that “Dance Moms” alum JoJo Siwa would change Lythgoe.
By the tip of March, Lythgoe, 75, had been accused by 5 ladies – together with Abdul – of sexual assault. In a March response to Abdul’s lawsuit, Lythgoe’s legal professional reiterated his shopper’s preliminary denial.
“Abdul’s allegations in opposition to Lythgoe are false, despicable, insupportable and life-altering,” legal professional Marina Z. Beck wrote. “These accusations are the worst type of defamation of Lythgoe.”
In a press release to the Times on Friday, Lythgoe stated, “(We) stay in a troubling time the place an individual is mechanically presumed responsible till confirmed harmless, a course of that may take years.” He additionally expressed aid on the settlement.
“That’s why, like Paula, I’m comfortable to have the ability to put all this behind me,” she added. “I do know the reality and this offers me nice consolation.”
