Nigel Lythgoe Accused of Sexual Assault for the Third Time

Nigel Lythgoe, the former American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance producer, has been accused of sexual assault for the third time. According to the Hollywood Reporter, a new lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court alleges that Lythgoe forcibly touched a woman in the back of a car in 2016.

The Jane Doe accuser claims that after meeting Lythgoe at a Beverly Hills hotel, he insisted on driving her home. During the ride, the plaintiff alleges that Lythgoe fondled her breasts, kissed her, and even penetrated her genitalia. The complaint further states that despite providing directions to her apartment, the driver took a longer route.

The lawsuit, filed by Jane Doe, includes claims for sexual battery, gender violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress against Lythgoe. The plaintiff’s attorney, Melissa Eubanks, who also represents Paula Abdul in a separate suit against Lythgoe, expressed concern over yet another alleged incident involving a prominent public figure.

This latest accusation follows two previous lawsuits against Lythgoe. Last month, Abdul sued him, along with the American Idol and SYTYCD production companies, alleging multiple instances of sexual assault while she was hosting the shows. Shortly after, two anonymous Jane Doe accusers filed a lawsuit claiming that Lythgoe forced himself on them during their participation in the show All American Girl.

As a result of the initial two lawsuits, Lythgoe stepped down from his position as co-creator and executive producer of SYTYCD, a role he held since the show’s inception in 2005. It was later announced that JoJo Siwa, who served as a judge on the show’s 17th season in 2022, would be replacing Lythgoe and returning as a judge for the upcoming season of SYTYCD.