"Paula Abdul Files Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against 'American Idol' Producer Nigel Lythgoe"

Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, alleging that he sexually assaulted her during their time on "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance." Abdul claims the assaults occurred in an elevator early in her "American Idol" tenure and again at Lythgoe's home in 2014. She also accuses Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her assistant on the set of "So You Think You Can Dance." The lawsuit, filed under California's Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, includes claims against the production companies for sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, and negligence, alleging they did not take action against Lythgoe.