"Paula Abdul Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against 'American Idol' Producer Nigel Lythgoe, Allegations Denied"

Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer of "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance," alleging that he sexually assaulted her twice, once during the early seasons of "American Idol" and again in 2015. Abdul claims the assaults occurred in an elevator and at Lythgoe's home, and she also accuses him of sexually assaulting her assistant and engaging in verbal harassment and bullying. The lawsuit includes claims of discrimination and unequal pay, and it was filed under a California law that extends the statute of limitations for civil suits in some sexual assault cases. The production companies behind the shows are also named as defendants. Neither Abdul nor Lythgoe's representatives have commented on the lawsuit.