Once again, the legal battle between Nigel Lythgoe and Paula Abdul has taken a nasty turn. According to Nigel, Paula completely made up a story about him sexually assaulting her in Las Vegas. Although Paula’s lawsuit has outlined various examples of sexual misconduct, this is just the latest in his attempt to discredit her. He and his legal team are hopeful that they can prove that Paula has a history of misrepresenting the truth.
Nigel Lythgoe claims he’s the ‘victim’ of Paula Abdul’s lies
In new court documents obtained by TMZ, Nigel aimed a specific claim that Paula raised about an encounter they had in Las Vegas She said she saw him grope her assistant while they were in town filming So You Think You Can Dance.
Nine months later, Paula amended the lawsuit and said that Nigel assaulted her in Las Vegas as well. Specifically, she said he touched her “buttocks, hips, waist, and her breasts” without her consent. In Nigel’s court filing, he said that Paula’s “shifting allegations” prove that she lied.
“It stretches credulity that Abdul would supposedly remember witnessing her assistant allegedly being assaulted … and yet apparently ‘forget’ until the filing of [amended complaint] that she also allegedly was assaulted at the same time.” read Nigel’s filing.
Nigel said that he is a “victim of Abdul’s appalling lies,” and his lawyers are confident that he’ll come out on top. Previously, he questioned Paula’s judgment and accused her of having a well-known pattern of exhibiting “erratic behavior.” Meanwhile, her legal team has accused him of victim blaming.
Paula’s lawyers haven’t responded to Nigel’s latest accusation. There’s a trial date set for July 2025. Until then, Nigel is hoping to save his reputation.
TELL US – WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE LATEST FILING FROM NIGEL? DO YOU THINK THE CASE WILL MAKE IT TO TRIAL?