Paula Abdul Sues ‘American Idol’ Exec Nigel Lythgoe for Sexual Assault

Paula Abdul claims one of many “American Idol” govt producers, Nigel Lythgoe, sexually assaulted her a number of instances whereas she was judging ‘Idol’ and “So You Think You Can Dance” … based on a brand new lawsuit she’s filed.

Paula filed the lawsuit Friday in L.A. County … and within the docs, obtained by TMZ, she alleges the primary assault occurred throughout “one of Idol’s initial seasons” whereas they had been on the street for regional auditions. Paula claims she and Lythgoe acquired into an elevator at their lodge, and as soon as the doorways closed he shoved her in opposition to the wall and grabbed her genitals and breasts … and tried to tongue-kiss her.

Within the swimsuit, Paula says she tried to push him away, after which ran to her room as soon as the elevator doorways opened. Paula says she instantly known as one in all her reps to tell them in regards to the alleged incident — however fearing she’d be fired in retaliation, she determined to maintain quiet.

She says the second alleged encounter occurred after she signed a brand new contract in 2015 to be a choose on ‘SYTYCD’ — which was additionally govt produced by Lythgoe. In line with the docs, in some unspecified time in the future throughout her 2 seasons on the present, Lythgoe invited Paula to his home to debate work alternatives … and she or he says she accepted as a result of she thought it was an expert state of affairs.

Nonetheless, she claims the night ended with Lythgoe forcing himself on prime of her whereas she was on a sofa … and making an attempt to kiss her. Within the swimsuit, she says he was telling her they might make an “excellent power couple.” Paula says she pushed him off of her, stated she was not and instantly left.

Paula alleges there was one other occasion throughout her ‘SYTYCD’ that occurred in 2015 — she claims she witnessed Lythgoe grope one in all her assistants.

Other than the disturbing allegations of assault, Paula additionally claims Lythgoe “taunted” her by calling her in some unspecified time in the future to say they need to rejoice as a result of it had been “7 years and the statute of limitations had run.”

Extra broadly, Paula alleges she was the sufferer of harassment and discrimination — by way of compensation — throughout her time judging ‘Idol.’

She is suing Lythgoe, 19 Leisure and FremantleMedia North America for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.

Paula says she’s coming ahead now attributable to California’s Sexual Abuse and Cowl Up Accountability Act … which supplies plaintiffs a window to file claims that might in any other case be barred by the statute of limitations.