80s popstar settles sexual assault lawsuit against British TV producer-Lillie Rohan-Entertainment – Metro

Singer and dancer Paula Abdul has settled her sexual assault lawsuit against a British TV presenter (Picture: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

An 80s pop star has announced she is ‘grateful’ a recent settlement deal in her sexual assault lawsuit has been reached, allowing her to put the past behind her.

Paula Abdul, known for her hit songs Opposites Attract and Rush Rush, as well as her judging role on American Idol, has spoken out following the settlement of her lawsuit against British TV presenter Nigel Lythgoe.

Abdul, 62, claimed the now 75-year-old presenter assaulted her on two occasions during their time working together, once on the singing competition show and a second time on So You Think You Can Dance.

Lythgoe has previously denied the allegations and claimed they were ‘an appalling smear’.

Now, the pair and their legal teams have reached an undisclosed agreement in the 16-page lawsuit, which was initially filed.

Speaking to BBC, Abdul said in a statement that she is ‘grateful’ the lawsuit has come to a close, stating it is ‘now something’ she can put behind her, a sentiment Nigel reiterated.

The pair worked together on multiple occasions (Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Both parties are happy to be putting the filing behind them (Picture: Steve Granitz/WireImage)

The singer continued: ‘This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle.

‘I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women, facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so that they too can turn the page and begin a new chapter of their lives.’

Lythgoe also issued a statement to the news outlet, explaining: ‘We live in a troubling time where a person is now automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent, a process that can take years.

‘That is why, like Paula, I am glad to be able to put this behind me. I know the truth and that gives me great comfort.’

The lawsuit was first brought about in December 2023 and amended in October of this year, with Paula alleging a third assault.

The pop star accused her alleged assaulter of ‘victim blaming’ (Picture: Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)

Abdul claimed in the lawsuit that the first assault allegedly took place during the early seasons of American Idol while the team were on the road for auditions.

‘One evening, following the day’s auditions, Lythgoe and Abdul entered the elevator of the hotel where they were staying,’ the lawsuit claimed.

‘Upon entering the elevator, Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and began shoving his tongue down her throat.’

Abdul allegedly ‘attempted to push’ Lythgoe away and upon returning to her room, claimed she informed her team of the incident.

The second alleged assault was said to have occurred after Abdul attended a dinner at Lythgoe’s home in 2015. She claimed they were sitting on the couch together when he allegedly tried to force himself on her.

Lythgoe has consistently denied the allegations (Picture: Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images)

A motion will now be filed for the settled lawsuit to be dismissed (Picture: Michael Tran/FilmMagic)

She further claimed he ‘attempted to kiss’ her and allegedly told her they would make an ‘excellent power couple.’

Lythgoe dismissed the allegations, with his legal team sharing friendly text messages between him and Abdul: ‘It is unthinkable that Abdul would even tolerate Lythgoe’s physical proximity, let alone send him adoring messages and sexually provocative jokes if her allegations were true,’ his filing claimed.

Abdul’s team hit back, calling the texts and accompanying statement ‘victim blaming’, and said there was an unfair power dynamic in the pair’s professional relationship, which played a significant role in her responses.

The case was scheduled to go to trial next year, however now that it has been settled, the next step for the star’s will be to file a motion to dismiss the matter.

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