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Paula Abdul is accusing former “American Idol” govt producer Nigel Lythgoe of “a number of sexual assaults” and harassment whereas she was a choose on this system and “So You Suppose You Can Dance.”
In response to papers filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court docket, Abdul claims she had a strained relationship with “American Idol” producers all through her time on the present, contending she was paid lower than the male judges and subjected to taunts and bullying by present executives and staff.
“Throughout one among `American Idol’s’ preliminary seasons, whereas on the street for the present’s regional auditions, Lythgoe sexually assaulted Abdul,” in response to the courtroom papers. “One night, following the day’s auditions, Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the resort the place they had been staying. Upon coming into the elevator, Lythgoe shoved Abdul towards the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts and started shoving his tongue down her throat.
“Abdul tried to push Lythgoe away from her and let him know that his conduct was not acceptable. When the doorways to the elevator for her flooring opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator to her resort room.”
Representatives for Lythgoe, 74, couldn’t be reached late Friday for remark.
In response to the courtroom papers, Abdul, now 61, instantly contacted her representatives and instructed them what had occurred, however she determined “to not take motion for concern that Lythgoe would have her fired” from the present.
The courtroom paperwork additionally contend Abdul signed a contract in 2015 to seem as a choose on one other Lythgoe manufacturing, “So You Suppose You Can Dance.” In response to the go well with, throughout that point, Abdul accepted what she believed was knowledgeable invitation to attend dinner at Lythgoe’s dwelling to debate different profession alternatives.
“Towards the tip of the night, nevertheless, Lythgoe compelled himself on high of Abdul whereas she was seated on his sofa and tried to kiss her whereas proclaiming that the 2 would make a superb `energy couple,”‘ in response to the courtroom paperwork. “Abdul pushed Lythgoe off of her, explaining that she was not eager about his advances, and instantly left Lythgoe’s dwelling.”
Once more fearing retaliation, she didn’t communicate out in regards to the incident, in response to the courtroom papers. Abdul additionally contends she witnessed Lythgoe bodily grope one among her feminine assistants.
In response to the courtroom papers, Abdul remained silent for years “as a consequence of concern of talking out towards one of the well-known producers of tv competitors reveals who may simply break her profession as a tv character.” Nonetheless, she is “now not keen to stay silent.”
The go well with, which seeks unspecified damages, alleges sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.
Along with Lythgoe, the go well with additionally names 19 Leisure Inc., Fremantle North America, American Idol Productions and Dance Nation Productions.
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