Paula Abdul's lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe set for 2025 trial
The sexual assault and battery lawsuit filed by Grammy-winning artist Paula Abdul (61) against Nigel Lythgoe (74) is scheduled for trial on July 28, 2025. The announcement was made by an LA Superior Court judge during a Case Management hearing on Tuesday (local time). Abdul, known for her role as a judge on American Idol, will face off against her co-star from So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD), Lythgoe, who has also produced both shows.
When and where did it all start?
In the filing in December, Abdul recounted the alleged beginning of the incidents around early 2001, when FOX approached her for a role as a judge on the American adaptation of the British singing competition Pop Idol. Abdul claimed she faced "verbal insults" from Lythgoe during a meeting, where he allegedly called her a "has been" celebrity and "probably wouldn't be known by the show's contestants." Despite Lythgoe's remarks, Abdul chose to proceed, hoping his actions were a "one-time" occurrence.
Abdul's allegations and Lythgoe's response detailed
Subsequently, Abdul accused Lythgoe and several production companies of sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and negligence. She alleges that Lythgoe assaulted her twice—once during one of American Idol's initial seasons in a hotel elevator while on tour, and again in 2015 during a meeting at Lythgoe's LA residence for Season 12 of SYTYCD. In response to these allegations, Lythgoe questioned Abdul's character and vowed to fight against what he called an "appalling smear" with everything he had.
Lythgoe's counterclaim and Abdul's response
Lythgoe later filed a document in the LASC docket on March 5, claiming that he was the victim of Abdul's "appalling lies" and called for her suit to be "dismissed in its entirety with prejudice." "Abdul's lies are underscored by her conduct and statements during and after the time she alleges abuse occurred." In response to this, Abdul accused Lythgoe of "classic victim shaming."
Abdul reached settlement with other defendants in lawsuit
Meanwhile, Abdul has reached undisclosed agreements with additional defendants 19 Entertainment and Dance Nation Productions. On April 23, it was disclosed that she had settled with FremantleMedia North America and American Idols Productions. The details of these settlements have not been made public. However, despite the ongoing legal battle, reports suggest that Abdul is "satisfied" with the outcome of her settlements with other defendants.
