Entertainer Paula Abdul has settled her sexual assault lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe after initially filing it back in 2023.
This new development takes place almost exactly one year after the singer sued Lythgoe for allegedly assaulting her during their time on American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.
In the aftermath of the settlement, Paula Abdul is speaking her mind and moving forward. See what she had to say.
Paula Abdul Wants To Help Other Victims After Settling The Lawsuit
TMZ reported that Paula Abdul’s negative experiences with Nigel Lythgoe stem from the early days of American Idol. They were in an elevator together while scouting out talent when he reportedly shoved her against the wall and started to assault her. The lawsuit indicated that she tried to push him off and immediately ran away once the doors open. Paula wanted to speak up at the time, but feared retaliation. In the early 2000s, assault allegations weren’t taken nearly as seriously as they are today.
Sadly, another similar incident allegedly took place in 2015 while Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe were judging So You Think You Can Dance together.
Although no amount of money can ever heal the wounds of an assault, Paula looks forward to moving on with her life. She hopes to inspire other women to share their stories and speak out against abuse. PEOPLE obtained official court documents that reveal Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe have settled their case as of December 9, 2024.
“I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me,” the singer told PEOPLE in an official statement on December 13. “This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle. I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women, facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so that they too can turn the page and begin a new chapter of their lives.”
PEOPLE also reached out to Nigel Lythgoe’s representation for comment.
Nigel Lythgoe Parted Ways With SYTYCD
Nigel Lythgoe was initially expected to return to So You Think You Can Dance in Season 18 after sitting out the previous season. However, he stepped down after Paula Abdul filed her lawsuit.
“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,” Lythgoe told the press after parting ways with the series. “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.”
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