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

Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, a British television executive, alleging multiple instances of sexual assault during their time working on "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance." The alleged assaults occurred in the early 2000s and more than a decade later. Abdul claims she remained silent due to fear of career repercussions and contractual obligations. The lawsuit also targets the shows' production companies and was filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which allows legal action even after the statute of limitations has expired. Neither Abdul nor Lythgoe have publicly commented on the case.