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Paula Abdul sued television producer Nigel Lythgoe in Los Angeles County Superior Court on December 29, 2023, alleging sexual assault and related misconduct connected to her work on American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Lythgoe denied the allegations. The parties reported an unconditional settlement in December 2024, but the cited report did not disclose its terms. The settlement was not a court finding that the allegations were true or false.
Although the headline refers to a “new lawsuit,” the available reporting establishes Abdul’s 2023 case and separate complaints filed in 2024—not a newly filed 2026 case.
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What Paula Abdul accused Nigel Lythgoe of
Abdul’s complaint named Lythgoe and production entities associated with the television programs. It asserted claims including sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and negligence. Those are allegations in a civil pleading, not facts established by a court. The complaint provides the allegations and names the defendants.
The Associated Press described two alleged episodes: one during Abdul’s time on American Idol and another after she joined So You Think You Can Dance. Abdul and Lythgoe had worked together on both shows. The AP account summarizes the claims and Lythgoe’s response.
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How Lythgoe responded
Lythgoe denied Abdul’s allegations and described the lawsuit as untrue, according to the Associated Press. A denial is his response to the claims; it is not a court ruling on them.
Did Abdul’s lawsuit settle?
Yes. In December 2024, Abdul and Lythgoe reported an unconditional settlement. The Associated Press said the terms were not disclosed. Abdul said, “I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me.” Lythgoe said, “I know the truth and that gives me great comfort.” The AP settlement report attributes both statements.
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A settlement ends the dispute between the parties under its terms; it does not, by itself, establish whether the underlying allegations were true or false. The cited reporting does not provide a settlement amount or other terms.
What happened in the other lawsuits?
Other women brought separate civil cases involving Lythgoe. Their allegations and procedural histories are distinct from Abdul’s case and should not be treated as a single lawsuit.
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- Former All American Girl contestants: The Los Angeles Times reported in January 2024 that two former contestants sued and made their own allegations. The report concerns that separate case.
- Jane Doe complaint concerning an alleged 2016 incident: A law firm announced a separate suit, and a redacted copy of the complaint describes the plaintiff’s allegations. The complaint identifies itself as a public redacted version of a conditionally sealed record. The law firm’s announcement is a party-counsel account; the redacted complaint is a pleading, not proof of the allegations.
A July 2026 LegalClarity retrospective says the 2016 Jane Doe settlement was partially performed as of July 2025 and refers to a hearing scheduled for February 6, 2026, but does not establish what happened at that hearing. It is not a current official court docket. Accordingly, the available reporting does not establish the final status of every related case as of October 8, 2026. The retrospective describes the procedural history it covers.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happened to Lythgoe’s television role?
The Associated Press reported that Lythgoe stepped aside from his judging role on So You Think You Can Dance after lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault. The AP report covers that decision.
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