On the heels of Paula Abdul‘s lawsuit, veteran TV producer Nigel Lythgoe finds himself going by a second lawsuit, claiming he sexually assaulted and harassed 2 contestants 20 years previously on a actuality rivals current.
Every girls have been contestants on the current, “All American Lady” — which aired for one season once more in 2003 — and Lythgoe was a producer on this method. Based mostly on the docs, obtained by TMZ, the women allege he would repeatedly current up on the set, and in dressing rooms, after they’ve been carrying dance costumes … and “overtly swatted and groped” their butts.
Throughout the go nicely with, which the plaintiffs are submitting as Jane Does, they’re saying manufacturing hosted a celebration to have enjoyable the highest of filming … nevertheless on the end of the social gathering, they declare Lythgoe insisted one among many women expertise with him once more to the studio the place all people else on the strong was going.
The second plaintiff insisted on going with them to protect her fellow contestant — nevertheless they allege Lythgoe drove them once more to his residence, the place he made sexual advances on every of them. Throughout the go nicely with, they allege he lifted up the sweater she was carrying, and “engulfed” one among many women whereas trying to kiss her … and he or she immediately rejected him.
The other plaintiff claims he acquired aggressive collectively along with her by pushing her in opposition to a grand piano and forcing his mouth and tongue on her … all of which she protested.
The women are suing Lythgoe and an unnamed manufacturing agency for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence.
As we said, they’ve filed anonymously, and the go nicely with solely identifies the defendant as “John Roe N.L.” and the current as “AAG” — nevertheless TMZ has confirmed by sources with info … they’re referring to Nigel Lythgoe and “All American Lady.”
The plaintiffs cite California’s Sexual Abuse and Cowl Up Accountability Act … which they take into account permits for the revival of their claims though the statute of limitations would have in every other case run.
TMZ broke the story … Paula Abdul moreover cited that Act when she sued Lythgoe ultimate week for allegedly sexually assaulting her whereas they’ve been working collectively on “American Idol” and “So You Assume You Can Dance.”
Lythgoe referred to as Paula’s lawsuit “wholly untrue” — together with the allegations are “deeply offensive to me and to each half I stand for.”
We have now reached out to his reps for contact upon this latest go nicely with, nevertheless no phrase once more however.
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