Nigel Lythgoe, the renowned executive producer and judge of “So You Think You Can Dance,” has decided to step down from his role following two lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault. The allegations involve both Paula Abdul, whom he allegedly groped and forcibly kissed in an elevator approximately 20 years ago, and two contestants from “All American Girl” who claim he tried to forcibly kiss them after a wrap party back in 2003.
In a statement to Variety, Lythgoe expressed his voluntary decision to withdraw from the show’s upcoming season, emphasizing that his focus should remain on dance and dancers. He also affirmed his commitment to clearing his name and restoring his reputation.
Having been a judge on the show since its inception in 2005, Lythgoe’s departure comes just ahead of the much-anticipated 18th season, set to premiere on Fox on March 4. The show’s producers, Sony Pictures Television’s 19 Entertainment, have launched an investigation into the allegations against Lythgoe, ensuring a thorough examination of the claims.
Despite his absence, the show will continue without him, as Fox, 19 Entertainment, and Dick Clark Productions have pledged their commitment to the hardworking contestants who have earned an opportunity to compete on their stage. As for a replacement judge, no decision has been made as of yet.
Paula Abdul, who served as a judge on both “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol” (also produced by Lythgoe), filed a lawsuit against him under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act. She accuses Lythgoe of groping her breasts and genitals and forcibly kissing her during an elevator encounter while traveling for “American Idol.” Abdul also alleges that Lythgoe later invited her to his home, where he forcibly advanced upon her. Throughout both incidents, Abdul resisted and managed to escape, according to her lawsuit.
Furthermore, Abdul claims to have experienced verbal harassment, bullying, and gender pay disparity while working on “American Idol.”
In response to these serious allegations, Lythgoe has vehemently denied them, calling them both false and deeply offensive. He expressed his confusion and disbelief as to why Abdul would file a lawsuit with claims he regards as untrue. Nevertheless, Lythgoe has vowed to fight these allegations with all his might.
Another lawsuit, which did not explicitly identify Lythgoe or the show by name, detailed further acts of harassment. Two contestants alleged that Lythgoe once swatted and groped dancers’ buttocks while on the set of “All American Girl.”
Abdul’s decision to come forward was influenced by her fear of potential industry backlash from one of the most influential individuals in the entertainment world. Notably, her lawsuit also implicates 19 Entertainment and other companies, accusing them of protecting Lythgoe and participating in the cover-up of these abusive incidents.
Lythgoe claims that he only learned about Abdul’s allegations through press reports, indicating that he had no prior knowledge of her intent to file a lawsuit against him.
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