December 14, 2024
In the lawsuit, Abdul accused Lithgow of sexually assaulting her several times in the early 2000s.
“Opposites Attract” singer Paula Abdul has agreed to settle her lawsuit against former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lightgow. In the lawsuit, she alleged that Lithgow sexually assaulted her when she was a judge on the show in the early 2000s.
How? reports by NPR:Abdul filed a notice of preliminary indictment in Los Angeles Superior Court on Dec. 12 and is awaiting a judge’s approval to make it official.
Abdul explained his reason for settling with Lithgow in a statement on Dec. 13. He said of the lawsuit: “I’m thankful that this chapter is over and that I can now put it behind me. It was a long and difficult personal struggle. I hope that my experience can inspire other women in similar struggles. to overcome their challenges with dignity and respect so that they too can turn the page and start a new chapter in their lives.”
Terms of the settlement between Lythgoe and Abdul have not yet been disclosed, but Abdul’s attorney, Melissa Eubanks, confirmed that the lawsuit is unconditional.
The original lawsuit against Lythgoe, 75, was filed nearly a year ago, and the 62-year-old singer accused Lythgoe of sexual harassment after she left “American Idol” to become a judge on Lythgoe’s other show. on the popular competition show, “So You Think You Can Dance?”
She recounted multiple incidents of sexual assault, some of which included Lithgow allegedly forcing herself on her in an elevator and even at dinner at her home.She disclosed both assaults to a third party at the time.
When the lawsuit was originally filed, Lithgow stated that the allegations were “horribly defamatory”, which left him “shocked and saddened”. He then claimed. “While Paula’s history of erratic behavior is well known, I cannot pretend to understand exactly why she would have to file a claim that she must know is untrue.”
Earlier this year, Lythgoe ended up stepping down as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance as a result of the allegations.
The English-born producer has been involved in television production both here and abroad for decades, notably working on reality television and competition shows.
Abdul, a Grammy- and Emmy-winning singer and dancer, explained that she initially did not go public with the alleged sexual harassment because she feared Lithgow’s access. She said she feared retaliation from “one of the most famous competition show producers on television.”
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