Paula Abdul Ends “Intense Battle” with ‘American Idol’ EP Over Assault Claims

Nearly one year has passed since Paula Abdul initiated a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, a producer for American Idol and judge on So You Think You Can Dance, accusing him of sexual assault and gender violence. The two, who once worked closely together, have now reached a settlement.

“I am thankful that we’ve brought this matter to a successful conclusion, allowing me to move forward,” Grammy Award-winning and seasoned TV judge Abdul expressed through her legal representatives at Johnson & Johnson, referring to the settlement finalized on December 9.

Abdul described the ordeal as a strenuous and prolonged personal conflict. “It is my hope that sharing my journey will empower other women in similar situations to face their challenges with honor and integrity, enabling them to close this chapter and start anew,” she added.

The path to resolution was hinted at last month when dismissal papers were submitted, shortly following Abdul’s updated legal complaint in October that included allegations of a third incident involving Lythgoe. With the filing of the settlement notice on December 12, the legal battle is effectively concluded.

While Abdul previously settled with co-defendants FremantleMedia North America and American Idols Productions in April, her lawsuit against Lythgoe was poised for trial in August of the following year. A forthcoming court session next month in LA Superior Court could mark the definitive end of this four-count lawsuit, unless it is removed from the court schedule earlier.

The details of the settlement remain under wraps, yet sources close to the matter describe it as “a just resolution.”

Abdul’s charges against Lythgoe last year opened the floodgates for several similar allegations against the once prominent producer. Abdul accused him and associated production companies of sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and negligence, citing two specific incidents: one in the early 2000s and another at Lythgoe’s Los Angeles residence in 2015.

In her filing, Abdul recounted that Lythgoe was overtly aware of his inappropriate and potentially criminal actions, to the extent of mocking the situation. She mentioned that Lythgoe once called her to jest that they should celebrate because “it had been ‘seven years and the statute of limitations had run,’” clearly indicating his awareness of the severity and illegality of his actions.

Under the expiring provisions of the December 31, 2023, Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, Abdul was able to lodge a civil lawsuit against Lythgoe, who has maintained his innocence and questioned Abdul’s mental and emotional stability.

Representatives for Lythgoe had not responded to inquiries about the settlement at the time of reporting. Updates will be provided if they issue a statement.