On the heels of Paula Abdul‘s lawsuit, veteran TV producer Nigel Lythgoe finds himself going through a second lawsuit, claiming he sexually assaulted and harassed 2 contestants 20 years in the past on a actuality competitors present.
Each ladies have been contestants on the present, “All American Girl” — which aired for one season again in 2003 — and Lythgoe was a producer on this system. In keeping with the docs, obtained by TMZ, the ladies allege he would repeatedly present up on the set, and in dressing rooms, after they have been sporting dance costumes … and “openly swatted and groped” their butts.
Within the swimsuit, which the plaintiffs are submitting as Jane Does, they are saying manufacturing hosted a celebration to have fun the tip of filming … however on the finish of the occasion, they declare Lythgoe insisted one of many ladies experience with him again to the studio the place everybody else on the forged was going.
The second plaintiff insisted on going with them to guard her fellow contestant — however they allege Lythgoe drove them again to his dwelling, the place he made sexual advances on each of them. Within the swimsuit, they allege he lifted up the sweater she was sporting, and “engulfed” one of many ladies whereas attempting to kiss her … and she or he instantly rejected him.
The opposite plaintiff claims he bought aggressive along with her by pushing her towards a grand piano and forcing his mouth and tongue on her … all of which she protested.
The ladies are suing Lythgoe and an unnamed manufacturing firm for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional misery and negligence.
As we stated, they’ve filed anonymously, and the swimsuit solely identifies the defendant as “John Roe N.L.” and the present as “AAG” — however TMZ has confirmed by means of sources with data … they’re referring to Nigel Lythgoe and “All American Girl.”
The plaintiffs cite California’s Sexual Abuse and Cowl Up Accountability Act … which they imagine permits for the revival of their claims though the statute of limitations would have in any other case run.
TMZ broke the story … Paula Abdul additionally cited that Act when she sued Lythgoe final week for allegedly sexually assaulting her whereas they have been working collectively on “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance.”
Lythgoe called Paula’s lawsuit “wholly untrue” — including the allegations are “deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for.”
We have reached out to his reps for touch upon this newest swimsuit, however no phrase again but.