Paula Abdul sues Nigel Lythgoe over alleged abuse – US media

American singer and dancer Paula Abdul is suing television executive heavyweight Nigel Lythgoe over alleged sexual assault, according to US media.

Ms Abdul’s lawsuit claims multiple instances of assault while the pair worked together on American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance.

That same year, Ms Abdul claims she witnessed Mr Lythgoe assault one of his assistants during the filming of So You Think You Can Dance in Las Vegas.

The lawsuit also claims Mr Lythgoe “taunted” her by calling her and saying the pair should celebrate because it had been “seven years and the statute of limitations had run”.

Neither Ms Abdul nor Mr Lythgoe have publicly commented on the case.

The lawsuit claims Mr Lythgoe assaulted her in an elevator while on the road during regional auditions for the popular talent programme.

The next occurred over a decade later, Ms Abdul claims, during what documents say she thought was a professional meeting at his home in Los Angeles.