'A HEAVY HEART'
Nigel Lythgoe steps down from So You Think You Can Dance to ‘restore reputation’ after Paula Abdul’s sex assault claims
Including Paula's claims against Nigel
NIGEL Lythgoe has decided to step away from the show So You Think You Can Dance.
Last week, Paula Abdul filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County, California, against Nigel.
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The lawsuit claims that Nigel sexually assaulted her multiple times during the time she was a judge on American Idol and the dance competition, So You Think You Can Dance.
Nigel made a statement to informing them that he would step away from SYTYCD.
"I have informed the producers of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series," he began.
“I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that’s where its focus needs to remain."
"In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation," he concluded.
Nigel, 74, has been a producer on the show since it started back in 2005, but that will end with its upcoming 18th season which premieres on March 4.
NIGEL'S ORIGINAL STATEMENT
Last Friday, Nigel made his first statement since being publically accused of sexual assault.
He denied all the allegations and blamed Paula's accusation on her "erratic behavior."
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In the statement obtained by The U.S. Sun, Nigel said: "To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement.
"For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear - and entirely platonic - friends and colleagues."
The American Idol producer continued: "Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for."
He then claimed Paula, 61, is known for her "erratic behavior."
PAULA'S CLAIMS
In court documents obtained by , she alleges that Nigel first assaulted her in one of Idol's first seasons, while on the road for regional auditions.
She claims that they were in an elevator at their hotel when he allegedly pushed her against the wall, grabbed her genitals and breasts, and tried to kiss her.
According to Paula, she tried to push him away, and when the elevator doors opened she ran straight to her room.
Paula claims that she called one of her reps to tell them about the alleged incident but ultimately decided to keep it quiet out of fear that Nigel would fire her from the show in retaliation.
The second alleged incident occurred in 2015 after she signed on to be a judge on SYTCD.
The lawsuit states that during Paula's two seasons on the show, Nigel invited her to his home to discuss business opportunities - which she assumed would be strictly professional.
She claims that when she was at his home, he forced himself on top of her while they were on the couch together, and tried to kiss her.
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The television personality also said Nigel kept telling her they'd make an "excellent power couple."
According to the documents, Paula pushed Nigel off and immediately left his house after saying she wasn't interested in him.
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