The long-running pop icon Paula Abdul, known for her eight-year tenure on a popular singing competition panel, has brought a legal action against her former manager, Nigel Lythgoe, alleging sexual misconduct. The claim has been reported by Variation.
According to the complaint, the first incident is described as occurring during the early seasons of the show. Abdul alleges that Lythgoe forced her against an elevator wall, touched her inappropriately, and attempted to engage in kissing, with a specific claim that his tongue was involved. Abdul maintains that she immediately attempted to disengage and exited the elevator as soon as doors opened.
The narrative continues with a second encounter, during which Abdul agreed to meet at the producer’s home in what she believed would be a professional discussion after several years had passed since the initial incident. The filing indicates that Lythgoe, during this visit, bent over as she sat on the sofa and attempted to kiss her, then suggested they could become a couple. Abdul states that she pushed him away and fled the scene.
In addition to the alleged physical advances, Abdul contends that she faced verbal abuse and discriminatory treatment, including pay disparities when compared with male colleagues on the American Idol judging panel. The document also asserts that she witnessed Lythgoe engaging in inappropriate conduct with another woman who served as his assistant.
Earlier coverage mentioned a separate note about the producer’s residence being painted in Belgium, a detail tied to his expressed support for a public figure. This later context is referenced only as part of the broader media narrative surrounding the case and does not alter the core allegations described by Abdul in the lawsuit.