Nigel Lythgoe Denies Paula Abdul’s Sexual Assault Allegations.
American Idol's Nigel Lythgoe Fights Back: Producer, 75, Calls Paula Abdul's Shocking Assault Claims 'Appalling Lies' in Fierce Legal Battle!
The allegations stem from Abdul’s “first amended complaint,” which was filed following her original lawsuit that focused on incidents involving her assistant in April 2015. The newly submitted documents include assertions that Abdul was also a victim of assault during the same event. Lythgoe's response challenges the timing and clarity of Abdul's accusations, claiming that her accounts lack specificity and credibility.
Abdul’s original complaint suggested that Lythgoe assaulted her during “one of American Idol’s early seasons” in the early 2000s, as well as around the time she was involved with “So You Think You Can Dance.” In her updated filing, she now alleges she witnessed her assistant being assaulted by Lythgoe in 2015 and claims that she, too, was assaulted during that incident.
Lythgoe's legal team argues that Abdul’s late recollections of the alleged assaults raise doubts about their validity. “It stretches credulity,” Lythgoe's filing states, “that Abdul would supposedly remember witnessing her assistant allegedly being assaulted and yet ‘forget’ that she also allegedly was assaulted at that same time.”
In a pointed rebuttal, Abdul's lawyer, Melissa Eubanks, criticized Lythgoe’s use of the legal pleadings to undermine Abdul’s reputation, calling it “wholly improper.” Eubanks also highlighted the power dynamics at play, noting that Lythgoe was in a position of authority over Abdul during their time working together.
Lythgoe’s response includes purported private communications between him and Abdul, including emails and text messages, which he claims demonstrate their amicable relationship during and after the alleged incidents. He asserts that these messages indicate Abdul’s affection and gratitude towards him, undermining her allegations.
For example, in an email dated June 20, 2014, Abdul thanked Lythgoe for flowers, expressing her happiness about their friendship and collaborative projects. Paula Abdul reportedly mentioned in another email that: "Yippee!!! I’m so 'eff-ing' happy & thrilled for you!!!! Way to go, sweetheart! You are so deserved! Mazel Tov..." She ended her note, "I love your guts!!! xo P."
Lythgoe's documents further allege that Abdul has a “long history” of making false claims for attention, describing her as a “pathological liar” and claiming that she has misused the legal system for personal gain. The response mentions previous interviews where Abdul denied certain allegations, casting doubt on her current claims.
Conversely, Paula Abdul's legal team has condemned Lythgoe’s narrative as an example of "classic victim shaming." "Mr. Lythgoe does not seem to recognize that he was in a position of authority over Ms. Abdul. As a producer on American Idol and SYTYCD, he had significant influence over her career, and he was fully aware of it," stated Abdul's attorney, Melissa Eubanks. "This power dynamic likely led Ms. Abdul to cater to his ego with positive remarks and apparent admiration. Many women, like Ms. Abdul, often feel compelled to adopt such strategies to cope with men who misuse their authority."
The statement further argued that Lythgoe's initial response selectively quotes years of communication with Abdul to undermine her allegations.
"His chosen excerpts do not reflect the many instances of blatant sexual harassment that Ms. Abdul was forced to endure," she pointed out, referencing specific conversations dating back to 2014.
"There are multiple examples of verbal abuse directed at Ms. Abdul, which highlight the ongoing mistreatment she faced during her tenure on American Idol and SYTYCD," the statement concluded.
Related: Defending Sexual Assault Allegations
