According to the suit, Lythgoe called Abdul once and taunted her, saying it had been “seven years and the statute of limitations had run.”

Source: https://variety.com/2023/music/news/paula-abdul-nigel-lythgoe-american-idol-so-you-think-you-can-dance-sexual-assault-1235858655/

Lythgoe clearly knew that his assaults of Abdul were not just wrong but that he held the power to keep her silent.”

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/12/30/entertainment/paula-abdul-sues-american-idol-executive-nigel-lythgoe-for-sexual-assault/

“Lythgoe clearly knew that his assaults of Abdul were not just wrong but that he held the power to keep her silent,” the lawsuit states.

Source: https://pagesix.com/2023/12/30/entertainment/paula-abdul-sues-american-idol-producer-nigel-lythgoe-over-sexual-assault-claims/

Lythgoe has denied the accusations, according to media reports.

Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/entertainment/celebrity-news/singer-paula-abdul-sues-american-idol-producer-sexual-assault/

She is suing Lythgoe, 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia North America for sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.

Source: https://www.perthnow.com.au/entertainment/american-idol-judge-paula-abdul-sues-fellow-judge-and-executive-producer-nigel-lythgoe-for-sexual-assault-c-13063698

The lawsuit also accuses Lythgoe of taunting Abdul about the alleged assaults, saying to her years later that “they should celebrate” because “the statute of limitations had run.”

Source: https://halifax.citynews.ca/2023/12/30/paula-abdul-accuses-american-idol-producer-nigel-lythgoe-of-sexual-assault-in-lawsuit/