Title: Nigel Lythgoe Faces Another Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault
Less than a week after Paula Abdul accused Nigel Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her twice over the past 20 years, the So You Think You Can Dance co-creator has been hit with another suit from two other women. However, unlike the action by the former American Idol judge, this latest blow against Lythgoe may not pack much legal punch.
Jane Doe K.G. and Jane Doe K.N. have filed a sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment and negligence civil suit against John Roe N.L. over an alleged attack in May 2003. Lythgoe, a producer on the all-female competition show All American Girl, is confirmed to be the defendant in the suit.
The complaint alleges that Lythgoe made sexual advances on the plaintiffs, despite their rejections and protests. The incident took place after the show’s finale party, where Lythgoe allegedly drove the women to a house in L.A. and proceeded to make unwanted advances.
The lawsuit seeks a wide variety of damages. However, the timing of the lawsuit may hinder its legal standing. Both Abdul’s claim and the Jane Does’ case were filed under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act, which permits civil lawsuits on claims that would otherwise be time-barred. However, the act expired on December 31, making the Jane Does’ case fall outside its realm.
Representatives for Lythgoe and the plaintiffs did not respond to requests for comments on the complaint or the timing of the filing. The outcome of this new lawsuit remains uncertain, but the allegations against Lythgoe continue to mount as more women come forward.