Abdul filed the lawsuit before December 31. California law allows sexual abuse lawsuits beyond the deadline.
Abdul’s Lawsuit Reveals Unsettling Allegations
Paula Abdul sued former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe for sexual assault in the early 2000s, when she was a judge. The Los Angeles complaint claims Lythgoe attacked Abdul after she came off “American Idol” and became a judge on his “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Lythgoe strongly denies the charges and expresses astonishment and grief. He questioned Abdul’s complaint, noting her unpredictable conduct and asking why she would lie.
Abdul, Douglas Johnson’s lawyer, said filing the complaint was challenging for Abdul. He said Abdul understands her position as a victim, stands with others in similar circumstances, and wants justice.
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Abdul’s Extended Fear of Retaliation Revealed in Lawsuit
Abdul kept quiet about the attacks for years out of fear of revenge, according to the complaint. According to court records, Abdul put off making allegations until now because of this concern.
Abdul filed the case before CA law’s December 31 deadline, giving sexual assault claims a year to file after the statute of limitations passed. Abdul has not worked with Lythgoe since “So You Think You Can Dance” and has judged on “The X Factor” and “The Masked Dancer.”