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Paula Abdul Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against ‘American Idol’ Producer Nigel Lythgoe

Paula Abdul has settled a sexual assault lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, a producer of both "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

Paula Abdul and former “American Idol” producer Nigel Lythgoe have agreed to settle a lawsuit in which she alleged he sexually assaulted her in the early 2000s when she was a judge on the show. 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.” Abdul, a Grammy and Emmy-winning singer and dancer, said in the lawsuit that she remained silent for years about the alleged assaults out of fear of retaliation by “one of the most well-known producers of television competition shows.”

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