"Paula Abdul Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against 'American Idol' Producer Nigel Lythgoe Amidst Denials and Controversy"

Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against 'American Idol' executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, accusing him of sexual assault and gender-based violence. The lawsuit details two alleged incidents, one during the early 2000s on 'American Idol' and another in 2015 after Abdul joined 'So You Think You Can Dance'. Abdul's decision to come forward was influenced by the expiration of California's Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which allowed for the filing of claims otherwise barred by the statute of limitations. The complaint also implicates several production companies for their inaction regarding Lythgoe's behavior.