Paula Abdul, the acclaimed Grammy and Emmy-winning singer and dancer, has reached a settlement in her sexual assault lawsuit against British TV producer Nigel Lythgoe.
NinaWorldNews brought you the report on this lawsuit filed a year ago. However, Abdul’s lawsuit accused Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her twice, with the first alleged incident occurring during their time together on American Idol.
Abdul, now 62, claimed that Lythgoe forcibly kissed her in a hotel elevator and groped her. The second alleged assault took place in 2015, after a work dinner for “So You Think You Can Dance,” when Abdul claimed Lythgoe assaulted her at his Los Angeles home. She said she rejected him and left immediately.
Abdul expressed relief in a statement to the BBC, saying, “I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can put behind me,” adding that she hopes her experience can inspire other women facing similar struggles.
Lythgoe, 75, expressed satisfaction in moving past the situation, stating, “I know the truth and that gives me great comfort.” He had previously denied the accusations, calling them an “appalling smear.”
Abdul’s attorney, Melissa Eubanks, did not disclose the settlement’s terms. Lythgoe’s legal team had presented text messages between the two, suggesting a friendly relationship, but Abdul’s lawyers dismissed these as “classic victim shaming,” arguing Lythgoe’s power as a producer influenced Abdul’s ability to resist.
The case was settled earlier this week, and the next step will be filing to dismiss the matter, which was scheduled for trial next year.
