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Nigel Lythgoe faces a third lawsuit for sexual assault following legal actions by Paula Abdul and two reality TV personalities.
The latest lawsuit, filed on Feb. 17 in Los Angeles Superior Court and obtained by NBC News, accuses Lythgoe of sexual assault and battery, gender violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The unnamed plaintiff alleges that Lythgoe assaulted her at a Beverly Hills hotel after meeting her while she was dining with friends and family.
Lythgoe's representative provided a statement to YEPPOST.com on Feb. 22, denying the incident and stating that Lythgoe was at a public event with his then-girlfriend on the night in question, supported by numerous witnesses.
According to the complaint, despite the plaintiff declining, Lythgoe insisted on giving her a ride home, during which he allegedly groped and kissed her forcefully. The plaintiff struggled to resist, but Lythgoe persisted, even penetrating her genitalia at one point, the complaint alleges.
Melissa N. Eubanks, senior counsel with Johnson & Johnson, LLP, commented on behalf of the plaintiff, expressing concern over the alleged abuse by a public figure and emphasizing the importance of victims coming forward to combat such misconduct.
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Nigel Lythgoe stepped down from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’
Lythgoe's decision to step down as a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" for the upcoming season was announced a month before this lawsuit emerged.
In a statement to NBC News on Jan. 5, Lythgoe expressed his voluntary decision to step back from the series, emphasizing that the focus of the show should remain on dance and dancers. He also mentioned his commitment to clearing his name and restoring his reputation during this time.
Paula Abdul accuses Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault
Paula Abdul filed a lawsuit on December 29, 2023, accusing Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her during an early season of "American Idol," where he served as an executive producer. In the complaint, Abdul alleged that Lythgoe shoved her against a wall in an elevator at a hotel, grabbed her genitals and breasts, and forcibly kissed her.
Abdul also collaborated with Lythgoe during her time as a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance."
In response to the lawsuit, Lythgoe released a statement expressing shock and sadness at Abdul's allegations. He vehemently denied the accusations, emphasizing that their relationship had always been platonic and professional. Lythgoe criticized Abdul's lawsuit as false and offensive, pledging to defend himself vigorously.
Abdul did not provide a comment to YEPPOST.com regarding the matter.
A second lawsuit is filed against Nigel Lythgoe
Following Abdul's lawsuit, two unnamed contestants from the reality show "All American Girl" filed a lawsuit on January 2, alleging sexual assault by Lythgoe. The lawsuit claimed that at a 2003 wrap party for the show, Lythgoe forcefully tried to kiss the two women and openly groped them and other contestants' buttocks on the set and in dressing rooms.
Lythgoe did not issue a statement in response to the accusations leveled against him.