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

Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, former producer of "American Idol," alleging he sexually assaulted her during her time as a judge on the show. The lawsuit details an incident in a hotel elevator where Lythgoe allegedly assaulted Abdul, and another later incident at his home. Abdul is suing under a California law that allows sexual assault claims to be filed outside the statute of limitations. The lawsuit also accuses production companies behind "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance" of negligence and includes claims of verbal harassment and discrimination in compensation during her tenure on "American Idol."