Paula Abdul and former American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe have settled a lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted the singer while she was a judge on the show.
The Grammy and Emmy-winning singer filed a notice settling her claims in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, before saying in a statement 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 statement, Lythgoe, 75, said: “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.
“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 judge must still approve the settlement. The court filing, seen by the Associated Press, said it was unconditional but did not detail the terms.
Nigel Lythgoe denied the allegations, calling them ‘an appalling smear’. Pic: Reuters
Filed in December last year, the suit alleged Lythgoe assaulted Abdul on two occasions when working on the same programmes.
Abdul’s first allegation said the producer groped her in the elevator of their hotel after a day of filming auditions for American Idol in 2002, while she was a judge on the show.
In 2012, while a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, Abdul also alleged Lythgoe forced himself on top of her during a dinner at his home and tried to kiss her.
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Lythgoe vehemently denied the allegations and said at the time that he was “shocked and saddened” by the claims, which he called “an appalling smear”.
In January, Lythgoe announced he was stepping aside as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance and dedicating his time to clearing his name and restoring his reputation.
Lythgoe was part of the executive team that launched American Idol in 2002 and was also a judge on ITV show Popstars, which created the band Hear’Say.
Originally from the Wirral but now based in Los Angeles, Lythgoe was awarded an OBE in 2015 for services to the performing arts, education and charity.
A representative for Lythgoe has been approached for comment.