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Paula Abdul is accusing former “American Idol” government producer Nigel Lythgoe of “a number of sexual assaults” and harassment whereas she was a choose on this system and “So You Assume You Can Dance.”
Based on papers filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Courtroom, Abdul claims she had a strained relationship with “American Idol” producers all through her time on the present, contending she was paid lower than the male judges and subjected to taunts and bullying by present executives and workers.
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“Throughout one in all `American Idol’s’ preliminary seasons, whereas on the highway for the present’s regional auditions, Lythgoe sexually assaulted Abdul,” based on the court docket papers. “One night, following the day’s auditions, Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the lodge the place they had been staying. Upon coming into the elevator, Lythgoe shoved Abdul in opposition to the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts and commenced shoving his tongue down her throat.
“Abdul tried to push Lythgoe away from her and let him know that his habits was not acceptable. When the doorways to the elevator for her flooring opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator to her lodge room.”
Representatives for Lythgoe, 74, couldn’t be reached late Friday for remark.
Based on the court docket papers, Abdul, now 61, instantly contacted her representatives and advised them what had occurred, however she determined “to not take motion for worry that Lythgoe would have her fired” from the present.
The court docket paperwork additionally contend Abdul signed a contract in 2015 to look as a choose on one other Lythgoe manufacturing, “So You Assume You Can Dance.” Based on the swimsuit, throughout that point, Abdul accepted what she believed was knowledgeable invitation to attend dinner at Lythgoe’s residence to debate different profession alternatives.
“Towards the top of the night, nonetheless, Lythgoe pressured himself on prime of Abdul whereas she was seated on his sofa and tried to kiss her whereas proclaiming that the 2 would make a wonderful `energy couple,”‘ based on the court docket paperwork. “Abdul pushed Lythgoe off of her, explaining that she was not fascinated by his advances, and instantly left Lythgoe’s residence.”
Once more fearing retaliation, she didn’t converse out in regards to the incident, based on the court docket papers. Abdul additionally contends she witnessed Lythgoe bodily grope one in all her feminine assistants.
Based on the court docket papers, Abdul remained silent for years “as a result of worry of talking out in opposition to one of the crucial well-known producers of tv competitors reveals who may simply break her profession as a tv persona.” Nonetheless, she is “not prepared to stay silent.”
The swimsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, alleges sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.
Along with Lythgoe, the swimsuit additionally names 19 Leisure Inc., Fremantle North America, American Idol Productions and Dance Nation Productions.
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