"Nigel Lythgoe Departs 'So You Think You Can Dance' Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations and Paula Abdul Lawsuit"
Nigel Lythgoe has voluntarily stepped down from his roles on and off-camera for the Fox series "So You Think You Can Dance" (SYTYCD) amid a sexual assault lawsuit filed by Paula Abdul. Abdul's lawsuit alleges that Lythgoe verbally abused and physically assaulted her during their time on "American Idol" and SYTYCD. Despite denying the allegations, Lythgoe is departing from the show to focus on clearing his name. The 18th season of SYTYCD will continue without him, and no replacement judge has been announced yet. Meanwhile, 19 Entertainment has initiated an investigation into the claims against Lythgoe.