Nigel Lythgoe says he is back at work after pushing forward with his legal dispute with Paula Abdul. The director-producer has rejected the accusations that the singer-dancer has made against him. He has worked on several successful TV projects, including American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.
Earlier this week, Lythgoe was approached at LAX and said he didn’t need to repair his reputation because the accusation against him is “untrue.”
Nigel Lythgoe addresses Paula Abdul’s allegations
Nigel Lythgoe denied the allegations against him by Paula Abdul and said that he is moving on with his projects. He confirmed that he would produce both a television show and a film, but declined to provide details about either.
Lythgoe 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.” (via TMZ)
Paula Abdul had filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe for multiple instances of misconduct dating back many years. She then settled the case. After that, she said she was relieved to have that chapter “successfully come to a close.”
In a press statement, Abdul said, “I am grateful this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me. 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.” (via BBC)
As for Nigel Lythgoe, he has pushed back against the claims more forcefully in earlier statements. He called the accusations “false” and promised to fight against them. Details of the settlement have not been disclosed publicly. Both sides involved have spoken about wanting to move on.
Originally reported by Preksha Sharma on Mandatory.
