Former 'American Idol' judge Paula Abdul has reached a settlement in her sexual assault lawsuit against television producer Nigel Lythgoe, marking the end of a high-profile case that sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The settlement terms remain confidential, as confirmed by court documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Abdul initially filed the lawsuit in December 2023, alleging two separate incidents of sexual assault by Lythgoe - one during her time as a judge on 'American Idol' in the early 2000s and another in 2015 when she was working on 'So You Think You Can Dance.' The lawsuit was filed under California's Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims.
The allegations against Lythgoe included claims of assault in an elevator during 'American Idol' production and an incident at his home in 2015. Lythgoe, who served as executive producer on both 'American Idol' and 'So You Think You Can Dance,' had previously denied all allegations, calling them 'false' and 'deeply offensive.'
The settlement comes as the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of sexual misconduct and power dynamics in the workplace. Abdul's case highlighted the importance of recent legislation that allows survivors to come forward with historical allegations of abuse.
The resolution of this case adds to the growing number of high-profile entertainment industry lawsuits settled in the wake of the #MeToo movement, demonstrating the ongoing impact of efforts to address sexual misconduct in professional settings.
While neither party has publicly commented on the specific terms of the settlement, the case's resolution marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about accountability and safety in the entertainment industry.
