Nigel Lythgoe Faces Second Lawsuit Over Sexual Assault Claims

Two women who participated in "All American Girl" are anonymously filing a lawsuit against British television executive Nigel Lythgoe, alleging sexual assault. 

The court documents, obtained by The Blast, assert that Lythgoe engaged in "openly groping" them during the 2003 series filming and continued with unwanted advances after the show concluded.

As per the documents, the two women allege that Lythgoe would frequently enter their dressing rooms and "openly swat and grope" their bottoms while they were "filming and dressed in dance costumes."

The women claim that the 74-year-old brought them to his Los Angeles home after a post-finale party instead of taking them "back to the studio where everybody else was going."

While in his home, the producer allegedly made unwelcome sexual advances, with one woman — Jane Doe K.G. — stating that he "engulfed her in his sweater" and attempted a kiss, which she declined and "scrambled to release herself from his grasp."

The other — Jane Doe K.N. — alleges he pinned her against a grand piano, attempting to force his tongue into her mouth. The documents read:

"Later that night, Defendant N.L. pinned Plaintiff K.N. against a grand piano in the house, pushed himself against her body, and forced his mouth and tongue onto her despite her numerous statements telling him not to and attempts to pull her face away from his. When Plaintiff K.G. saw this and protested, Defendant N.L. finally surrendered."

The two anonymous women are collectively suing Lythgoe for alleged sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

The television mogul is also facing a similar lawsuit from U.S. singer Paula Abdul, who contends that the alleged sexual assaults occurred during their collaboration on "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

In the documents filed in December 2023, the "Opposites Attract" singer claims that Lythgoe "verbally insulted and belittled" her on multiple occasions before the claimed "sexual assault" during one of the initial seasons of "American Idol."

According to the filing, Paula Abdul asserts that the events started around early 2001 when Fox approached her business manager about a judging role on "Pop Idol," the upcoming American version of the British singing competition show. 

Following her meeting with executives and producers for the show, Abdul alleges in the lawsuit that she was "verbally insulted and belittled" by Lythgoe, one of the executive producers. Lythgoe purportedly conveyed to Abdul that she was a "has-been" celebrity and likely would not be recognized by the show's contestants.

As per the recently obtained lawsuit, the "Rush Rush" hitmaker asserted that Lythgoe sexually assaulted her while on the road "during one of 'American Idol's initial seasons." The papers disclosed that shortly after finishing auditions, "Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the hotel where they were staying."

It continued, "Upon entering the elevator, Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and began shoving his tongue down her throat. Abdul attempted to push Lythgoe away from her. When the doors to the elevator for her floor opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator and to her hotel room. Abdul quickly called one of her representatives in tears to inform them of the assault."

Abdul further stated in the lawsuit that she was assaulted again during a dinner at the house of the former "Younger Generation" dancer. At the dinner, she claims Lythgoe forced himself on top of her while she was seated on his couch, attempting to kiss her and suggesting they would make an excellent "power couple." Abdul asserts that she pushed him off, expressing her lack of interest, and left.

Less than a week ago, The Blast reported that in the days after Abdul submitted the filing, Lythgoe spoke in his defense with a statement that began:

"To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear — and entirely platonic — friends and colleagues."

The "Superstars of Dance" director added, "Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for." He concluded:

"While Paula's history of erratic behavior is well known, I can't pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have."