Paula Abdul 'grateful' as she settles sexual assault lawsuit with Nigel Lythgoe

Hannah Roberts PA Entertainment Reporter & Peter Hart
·2-min read
Paula Abdul
-Credit: (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)


US music and television icon Paula Abdul has expressed her relief after settling a lawsuit with American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, who she accused of sexually assaulting her during her time as a judge on the show. The 62 year old pop star from the 80s and 90s filed a notice of settlement in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, which is still awaiting approval by a judge.

British TV producer Nigel, 75, has strongly denied the allegations made in the Californian lawsuit filed nearly a year ago. Speaking to US publication People on Friday, Paula said: "I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me."

So You Think You Can Dance
Nigel Lythgoe was a judge on the live BBC show So You Think You Can Dance from 2010 -Credit:PA Archive/PA Images

She added: "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."

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According to the documents, Paula remained silent "due to fear of speaking out against one of the most well-known producers of television competition shows who could easily break her career as a television personality".

Her lawsuit accused Nigel of assault while they were working together on hit shows American Idol and the US version of So You Think You Can Dance.

Nigel Lythgoe after his investiture in 2015
Nigel Lythgoe after his investiture in 2015 -Credit:PA Archive/PA Images

Nigel Lythgoe, famed for his role as an executive producer on Pop Idol and its US counterpart American Idol, recently stepped back from his judging duties on So You Think You Can Dance. Known for his candid feedback that earned him the moniker "Nasty Nigel" on ITV's Popstars, Lythgoe expressed leaving the dance show with a "heavy heart" this January, focusing now on clearing his name and restoring his reputation.

The Wirral-born entertainment veteran, who resides in Los Angeles, began his career as a dancer, then a choreographer, before making waves in television. His contributions to performing arts, education, and charity were recognised with an OBE in 2015.

A representative for Nigel has been approached for comment.