Paula Abdul claims certainly one of many “American Idol” authorities producers, Nigel Lythgoe, sexually assaulted her plenty of cases whereas she was judging ‘Idol’ and “So You Suppose You Can Dance” … in accordance with a model new lawsuit she’s filed.
Paula filed the lawsuit Friday in L.A. County … and throughout the docs, obtained by TMZ, she alleges the first assault occurred all through “thought-about certainly one of Idol’s preliminary seasons” whereas they’d been on the road for regional auditions. Paula claims she and Lythgoe obtained into an elevator at their resort, and as quickly because the doorways closed he shoved her in direction of the wall and grabbed her genitals and breasts … and tried to tongue-kiss her.
Throughout the swimsuit, Paula says she tried to push him away, after which ran to her room as quickly because the elevator doorways opened. Paula says she immediately often called thought-about certainly one of her reps to inform them regarding the alleged incident — nonetheless fearing she’d be fired in retaliation, she decided to keep up quiet.
She says the second alleged encounter occurred after she signed a model new contract in 2015 to be a determine on ‘SYTYCD’ — which was moreover authorities produced by Lythgoe. In accordance with the docs, ultimately all through her 2 seasons on the current, Lythgoe invited Paula to his residence to debate work alternate options … and she or he says she accepted because of she thought it was an knowledgeable state of affairs.
Nonetheless, she claims the night time ended with Lythgoe forcing himself on excessive of her whereas she was on a settee … and attempting to kiss her. Throughout the swimsuit, she says he was telling her they may make an “superb power couple.” Paula says she pushed him off of her, acknowledged she was not and immediately left.
Paula alleges there was one different event all through her ‘SYTYCD’ that occurred in 2015 — she claims she witnessed Lythgoe grope thought-about certainly one of her assistants.
Aside from the disturbing allegations of assault, Paula moreover claims Lythgoe “taunted” her by calling her ultimately to say they should rejoice because of it had been “7 years and the statute of limitations had run.”
Additional broadly, Paula alleges she was the sufferer of harassment and discrimination — in terms of compensation — all through her time judging ‘Idol.’
She is suing Lythgoe, 19 Leisure and FremantleMedia North America for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.
Paula says she’s coming forward now as a consequence of California’s Sexual Abuse and Cowl Up Accountability Act … which provides plaintiffs a window to file claims that may in some other case be barred by the statute of limitations.
We’ve acquired reached out to Lythgoe for comment, nonetheless no phrase once more however.
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