In the latest developments surrounding the ongoing controversy involving television producer Nigel Lythgoe, two additional women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault and verbal abuse. Lythgoe, aged 74, is already facing scrutiny following recent accusations by Paula Abdul, who filed a lawsuit against him, claiming sexual assault and verbal abuse during their time on American Idol.
Less than a week after Abdul’s lawsuit, the new legal action has been brought by two unnamed reality stars who participated in the 2003 all-female reality competition show ‘All American Girl’. According to court documents obtained by People, the women accuse Lythgoe of pervasive inappropriate behavior, including openly swatting and groping contestants’ buttocks in dressing rooms and on set.
The lawsuit alleges multiple charges against Lythgoe, including negligence, sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. It claims that Lythgoe’s behavior was openly accepted on set, and that many individuals, including employees, contractors, and agents, witnessed the incidents but failed to prevent them from recurring.
The alleged incidents took place during the filming of ‘All American Girl’ from January 2003 to May 2003. The women assert that Lythgoe made unwanted sexual advances towards them at the show’s wrap party, subsequently taking them to his Los Angeles home. There, he allegedly attempted to kiss one of the women and pushed her body close to his, despite her rejection. Another woman claims that Lythgoe pinned her against a grand piano, forced himself on her, and kissed her despite her protests.
While Lythgoe had previously denied Paula Abdul’s allegations, he has not publicly addressed the new sexual assault accusations brought by these two unnamed reality stars. The situation continues to unfold as legal proceedings progress.
