Paula Abdul and former American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe have settled a lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted the singer whereas she was a choose on the present.
The Grammy and Emmy-winning singer filed a discover settling her claims in Los Angeles Superior Courtroom on Thursday, earlier than saying in a press release she is “grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close”.
“This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle,” Abdul, 62, added on Friday.
“I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women, facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so that they too can turn the page and begin a new chapter of their lives.”
In a separate assertion, Lythgoe, 75, mentioned: “We reside in a troubling time the place an individual is now mechanically assumed to be responsible till confirmed harmless, a course of that may take years.
“That is why, like Paula, I am glad to be able to put this behind me. I know the truth and that gives me great comfort.”
A choose should nonetheless approve the settlement. The court docket submitting, seen by the Related Press, mentioned it was unconditional however didn’t element the phrases.
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Nigel Lythgoe denied the allegations, calling them ‘an appalling smear’. Pic: Reuters
Filed in December final yr, the swimsuit alleged Lythgoe assaulted Abdul on two events when engaged on the identical programmes.
Abdul’s first allegation mentioned the producer groped her within the elevator of their lodge after a day of filming auditions for American Idol in 2002, whereas she was a choose on the present.
In 2012, whereas a choose on So You Suppose You Can Dance, Abdul additionally alleged Lythgoe compelled himself on prime of her throughout a dinner at his house and tried to kiss her.
Lythgoe vehemently denied the allegations and mentioned on the time that he was “shocked and saddened” by the claims, which he known as “an appalling smear”.
In January, Lythgoe introduced he was stepping apart as a choose on So You Suppose You Can Dance and dedicating his time to clearing his identify and restoring his status.
Lythgoe was a part of the manager group that launched American Idol in 2002 and was additionally a choose on ITV present Popstars, which created the band Hear’Say.
Initially from the Wirral however now based mostly in Los Angeles, Lythgoe was awarded an OBE in 2015 for companies to the performing arts, schooling and charity.
A consultant for Lythgoe has been approached for remark.
