A year after Paula Abdul accused Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault, we’ve learned that the two have decided to settle their lawsuit.
Paula claimed that the former American Idol producer assaulted her in the early 2000s. She said it happened when she served as a judge on his reality shows. Nigel maintained his innocence but subsequently exited his role at So You Think You Can Dance.
Now, they’re moving on from the legal battle, and their statements on the matter couldn’t be more different.
Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe are closing the door on their legal fight with a lawsuit settlement
In Paula’s original lawsuit, she laid out a case against Nigel that illustrated a history of sexual misconduct. Contestants from the short-lived competition show, All American Girl, also joined Paula in suing the longtime TV producer.
Throughout the ordeal, Nigel accused Paula of “character assassination.” He said she fabricated the claims and tried to discredit her by claiming she had a history of “erratic behavior.”
Nigel and Paula had a trial date set for July 2025, but according to Page Six, Paula just filed a notice of settlement in Los Angeles Superior Court. A judge still has to sign off on it. In the meantime, Paula released a statement expressing gratitude that this battle was coming to an end.
“I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me,” Paula said in her statement.
“This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle. 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,” she continued.
The details of the settlement remain sealed, but in a separate statement, Nigel maintained his innocence. He’s still painting Paula as a liar. The only thing they can agree on is that they’re both glad this situation is over.
“We live in a troubling time where a person is now automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent, a process that can take years,” Nigel said. “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.”
TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED TO SEE NIGEL AND PAULA SETTLE THEIR LAWSUIT? DID YOU EXPECT THIS TO GO TO TRIAL?
