Nigel Lythgoe has stepped down as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” amid a sexual assault lawsuit against him.
Lythgoe found herself under the microscope when Paula Abdul, a former mentee, sued her for sexually assaulting her during her time on “American Idol.” Since then, more women have come forward to sue British television executives on similar grounds.
Nigel Lythgoe Resigns From ‘SYTYCD’
Lythgoe released a statement announcing her exit from the dance reality show. “I have informed the producers of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ about my decision to withdraw from this year’s series,” he said.
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The famous producer continued, “I did it reluctantly but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about the dance and the dancers, and that’s where the focus needs to remain.” Lythgoe ended his statement, informing fans that he is focused on “clearing my name and restoring my reputation” in the meantime.
Lythgoe’s departure was confirmed by a joint statement from 19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions and Fox — the production company behind “So You Think You Can Dance.”
“19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions, and FOX can confirm the upcoming season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ will continue, albeit without Nigel Lythgoe, to ensure the show remains committed to the contestants, who have worked so hard to earn the opportunity. to compete on our stage,” the company shared in a statement to The Wrap.
They concluded, “No decision has been made on replacement judges for this season, which will premiere on Fox on Monday, March 4.”
Lythgoe’s reputation took a nosedive last week when Paula Abdul claimed in her lawsuit that Lythgoe “protected and belittled” her several times before he “sexually assaulted” her during one of the first seasons of “American Idol.”
The “Cold Hearted” singer claims it all started in or around early 2001 when her business manager was approached by FOX about an opportunity for her to appear as a judge on “Pop Idol,” the American version of the British television singing competition show.
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According to the famous entertainer, the opportunity came when he had just come out of a six-year hiatus due to injuries sustained in an accident. He was “intrigued” by the document’s claims.
However, when he met with executives and producers for the show, he was “verbally insulted and belittled by [Nigel] Lythgoe.” Abdul claimed that Lythgoe told him “he was a ‘has-been’ celebrity and would probably not be recognized by the show’s contestants.”
Although she brushed off his rude comments, Abdul claims things got worse when the television executive continued to sexually assault her while they were on the road “during one of the early seasons of ‘American Idol.’
“One evening, after the day’s audition, Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the hotel where they were staying. Upon entering the elevator, Lythgoe pushed Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her privates and breasts, and began sticking his tongue down her throat,” the document alleges. “Abdul tried to push Lythgoe away from him. When the elevator door to his floor opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator and into his hotel room. Abdul immediately called one of his representatives in tears to tell them about the attack.”
He recalled another incident where Lythgoe attacked him during dinner at his home. Abdul said Lythgoe forced himself on her while she sat on the sofa and “tried to kiss her” saying the two would be a “power couple.”
He then “rejected her, explained he was not interested in her advances, and promptly left.” Abdul also claimed that he was not the only victim as he witnessed Lythgoe attack one of his assistants.
Nigel Lythgoe Denies Paula Abdul’s Claims
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Following Abdul’s suit, Lythgoe issued a lengthy statement denying all allegations. “To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is an understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear — and entirely platonic — friends and colleagues,” he said.
The 74-year-old continued, “Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned about these allegations in the press and I want to make it clear: not only is it false, it deeply offends me and everything I hold dear. for.”
He concluded by attacking Abdul’s behavior. “While Paula’s history of erratic behavior is well known, I cannot pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this terrible slander with everything I have.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
