Idols star lays bare sexual assault claims against show producer

Paula Abdul, a Grammy-award-winning artist and former judge on the singing contest show ‘American Idol,’ has recently filed a lawsuit in California accusing Nigel Lythgoe, a producer on the show, of sexual assault.

Lythgoe, who is also a judge on ‘So You Think You Can Dance,’ has denied these allegations.

According to the complaint filed on Friday, Abdul, known for her successful debut album ‘Forever Your Girl’ in 1988, claimed that she was sexually assaulted by Lythgoe twice.

The lawsuit further stated that she was subjected to harassment and discrimination by Lythgoe and other executives during her time as a judge on ‘American Idol’ from 2002 to 2009.

The lawsuit alleges that Abdul was not only mistreated but also faced pay discrimination.

She claimed to have been constantly subjected to taunts, bullying, humiliation, and harassment by several individuals associated with the show.

The most serious accusations are directed towards Lythgoe, who is accused of assaulting Abdul in a hotel elevator during the early days of ‘American Idol,’ and later attempting to kiss her at his house after she agreed to appear as a judge on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ in 2015.

Lythgoe, a 74-year-old English producer, has denied these allegations as reported by the media.

The lawsuit sheds light on the disturbing incidents Abdul claims to have experienced during her time on ‘American Idol’ and her encounter with Lythgoe on ‘So You Think You Can Dance.’

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