British producer Nigel Lythgoe, famed for his role in creating American Idol, is now confronted with a second sexual assault lawsuit, just days after singer Paula Abdul accused him of sexual assault. The latest suit, filed by two contestants from the 2003 show “All American Girl,” which Lythgoe produced, alleges charges of negligence, sexual assault, battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
According to court documents obtained by People magazine, the contestants, identified as Jane Doe K.G. and Jane Doe K.L., claim Lythgoe openly swatted and groped their buttocks and those of other contestants while wearing dance costumes. They assert that such behavior was “openly accepted” and witnessed by various individuals on set who failed to intervene.
The legal documents further detail allegations that Lythgoe made unwanted sexual advances towards the women after the show’s wrap party. During a ride to his home, he allegedly pinned one woman against a grand piano and forcefully kissed her.
Paula Abdul, 61, filed a lawsuit against Lythgoe on December 29, accusing him of sexually assaulting her during their time on American Idol in the early 2000s. Lythgoe has vehemently denied Abdul’s allegations, vowing to fight what he considers an “appalling smear” with all his resources. The recent accusations have heightened scrutiny on Lythgoe’s conduct during his career in the entertainment industry
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
