Nigel Lythgoe Exits 'So You Think You Can Dance' Amid Sexual Assualt Allegations

Nigel Lythgoe is taking a step back from being a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" amid the barrage of sexual assault lawsuits aimed at him.

Lythgoe found himself under the microscope when Paula Abdul, a former mentee, sued him for sexually assaulting her during her days on "American Idol." Since then, more women have come forward to sue the British television executive on the same grounds.

Lythgoe released a statement announcing his exit from the dance reality show. "I have informed the producers of 'So You Think You Can Dance' of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series," he began.

The famous producer continued, "I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that’s where its focus needs to remain." Lythgoe concluded his statement, informing fans that he is focused on "clearing my name and restoring my reputation" in the meantime.

Lythgoe's exit was confirmed by a joint statement from 19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions, and Fox — the production companies behind "So You Think You Can Dance."

"19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions, and FOX can confirm the upcoming season of 'So You Think You Can Dance' will proceed, although without Nigel Lythgoe, to ensure the show remains committed to the contestants, who have worked incredibly hard for the opportunity to compete on our stage," the companies shared in a statement to The Wrap.

They concluded, "No decision has been made as to a replacement judge for this season, which will premiere on Fox on Monday, March 4."

Lythgoe's reputation came crumbling down last week when Paula Abdul in her lawsuit alleged that Lythgoe "verbally insulated and belittled" her on several occasions before he "sexually assaulted" her during one of the first seasons of "American Idol."

The "Cold Hearted" singer claimed it all began in or about early 2001 when her business manager was approached by FOX about an opportunity for her to appear as a judge on "Pop Idol," the American version of the British television singing competition show.

According to the renowned entertainer, the opportunity came when she was just coming out of her six-year hiatus due to injuries sustained in an accident. She was "intrigued" the document claims.

However, when she met with executives and producers for the show she was "verbally insulted and belittled by [Nigel] Lythgoe." Abdul alleged that Lythgoe told her "she was a 'has been' celebrity and probably wouldn't be known by the show's contestants."

Although she brushed off his harsh comments, Abdul claimed things only got worse as the television executive proceeded to sexually abuse her while they were on the road "during one of 'American Idol's initial seasons."

"One evening, following the day's auditions, Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the hotel where they were staying. Upon entering the elevator, Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and began shoving his tongue down her throat," the documents claimed. "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."

She recalled another incident where Lythgoe assaulted her during a dinner at his house. Abdul said Lythgoe forced himself on top of her while she was seated on his couch and "attempted to kiss" her while proclaiming the two would make an excellent

"power couple."

She then "pushed him off, explaining she was not interested in his advances, and immediately left." Abdul also alleged that she wasn't the only victim as she witnessed Lythgoe assault one of his assistants.

Following Abdul's lawsuit, Lythgoe released a lengthy statement denying all allegations. "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," he began.

The 74-year-old continued, "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 by attacking Abdul's behavior. "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."