Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe settle sexual assault lawsuit
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Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images and Kevin Winter/Getty Images
In a significant development, Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe have reached a settlement in a sexual assault and harassment lawsuit filed by Abdul earlier in 2023. The case, which had been a factor in Lythgoe’s departure from So You Think You Can Dance, was resolved after Abdul filed a request for dismissal with prejudice in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Court documents obtained by CNN indicate that Abdul’s legal action had accused Lythgoe of two separate incidents of sexual assault and harassment, one allegedly occurring in the early 2000s and the other in 2015.
Lythgoe, a well-known figure as both a judge and producer on So You Think You Can Dance, vehemently denied the allegations. In a legal response filed in March 2024, he described the accusations as “false, despicable, intolerable, and life-changing.” Despite the contentious nature of the legal dispute, the two parties ultimately reached an agreement to settle the lawsuit, though the exact terms of the settlement have not been disclosed to the public.
Paula Abdul, a renowned singer, dancer, and former judge on American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, expressed her relief in a statement to CNN after the legal matter was concluded. She acknowledged the difficulty of the battle and emphasized her focus on moving forward. “I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can put behind me,” Abdul said. “This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle. I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women, facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so that they too can turn the page and begin a new chapter of their lives.”
Lythgoe, for his part, also welcomed the conclusion of the dispute. He expressed a sense of vindication, stressing the challenges individuals face when accused of serious allegations. “We live in a troubling time where a person is now automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent, a process that can take years,” Lythgoe remarked. “That is why, like Paula, I am glad to be able to put this behind me. I know the truth and that gives me great comfort.”
The lawsuit had sparked widespread attention, particularly given both parties’ prominence in the entertainment industry. Abdul’s claims against Lythgoe were serious, and the case drew attention to issues of sexual misconduct within Hollywood. However, the settlement means that the case will not go to trial, and the legal dispute is now officially closed.
The notice of the settlement was filed on December 9, as indicated by court documents. This marked the end of months of legal back-and-forth between Abdul and Lythgoe, a process that had been a source of public tension and speculation. Despite the contentious nature of the case, both parties now seem eager to move forward and leave the matter behind them.
While the specific details of the settlement remain private, both Abdul and Lythgoe have signaled their intention to focus on the future. Abdul’s statement, in particular, highlighted her desire to use her experience to help inspire others, especially women who may be facing similar challenges. For Lythgoe, the settlement provided an opportunity to distance himself from the public accusations and to reaffirm his position on the allegations, reiterating his belief in his innocence.
The resolution of the lawsuit brings an end to a significant chapter in both Abdul and Lythgoe’s professional lives. With the case settled, they can now focus on their careers and personal lives without the burden of ongoing legal proceedings. The impact of the case, however, is likely to reverberate throughout the entertainment industry, as it serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversations surrounding sexual harassment and the need for accountability within Hollywood.
Ultimately, while the settlement does not offer the public a full resolution to the allegations, it marks the end of a challenging legal battle for both Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe. It also highlights the complexities and emotional toll that such legal disputes can take, not only on those directly involved but on the broader cultural conversation surrounding issues of sexual misconduct and justice.
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