‘A Chapter Closed’: Paula Abdul Drops Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Nigel Lythgoe
(Associated Press)
Paula Abdul has officially dropped her sexual assault lawsuit against former American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe. The Associated Press reported that Abdul filed her settlement letter in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, December 12, with judicial approval pending.
In a statement on Friday, Abdul expressed her relief over the case’s resolution. “I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me… I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women… to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect.”
Lythgoe, who has consistently denied the allegations, also welcomed the conclusion of the case, addressing the broader impact of such claims. “We live in a troubling time where a person is now automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent… I know the truth and that gives me great comfort,” he said.
The lawsuit filed nearly a year ago, accused Lythgoe of assaulting Abdul on two separate occasions: once during an American Idol audition tour and later while filming So You Think You Can Dance. Lythgoe had previously called the allegations “an appalling smear.”
While the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, the case has once again drawn attention to troubling patterns of misconduct within the entertainment industry. Abdul, a Grammy and Emmy-winning performer, revealed that fear of retaliation kept her silent for years, despite claiming to have experienced groping and inappropriate behavior.
The resolution comes amid continued scrutiny of Lythgoe’s professional history. The 75-year-old producer stepped down from So You Think You Can Dance earlier this year amid unrelated misconduct allegations.
Abdul’s decision to pursue—and now resolve—the case has sparked important conversations about accountability in Hollywood. Her message of hope aims to encourage other women to speak out, despite the challenges they may face.
As both parties move forward, the lawsuit’s conclusion marks the end of a contentious chapter for Abdul and Lythgoe while underscoring the broader need for safety and accountability in the entertainment industry.
