"Paula Abdul Files Lawsuit Against 'American Idol's' Nigel Lythgoe for Sexual Assault Claims"

Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, former executive producer of "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance," alleging multiple instances of sexual assault. The lawsuit details two separate incidents, one during the early seasons of "American Idol" and another in 2014. Abdul claims she remained silent for years due to fear of retaliation and being blackballed in the industry. The suit also names several production companies as defendants and comes amidst a wave of sexual abuse suits following legislative changes in New York and California regarding the statute of limitations for such claims.