Nigel Lythgoe steps down from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ after Paula Abdul sexual assault claims
Former “American Idol” and “So You Think You Can Dance” producer Nigel Lythgoe has stepped down from the competition dance show amid Paula Abdul suing him for alleged sexual assault.
“I have informed the producers of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series,” Lythgoe, 74, told The Post in a statement on Friday.
“I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that’s where its focus needs to remain.”
He concluded: “In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”
“SYTYCD” production companies 19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions and Fox said in a joint statement, “19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions, and FOX can confirm the upcoming season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ will proceed, although without Nigel Lythgoe, to ensure the show remains committed to the contestants, who have worked incredibly hard for the opportunity to compete on our stage.”
“No decision has been made as to a replacement judge for this season, which will premiere on FOX on Monday, March 4th,” it concluded.
The Post has contacted reps for Abdul for comment.
Abdul, 61, was one of the three original judges of “American Idol” from 2002 to 2009 and on “SYTYCD” for two seasons in 2015 and 2016.
Lythgoe has denied the “Straight Up” singer’s accusations, including the first alleged instance of abuse when he sexually assaulted her in a hotel elevator while they were traveling for “Idol.”
In 2014, Abdul claims, Lythgoe sexually assaulted her at his home after inviting her over for what she thought was a professional dinner.
“To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear — and entirely platonic — friends and colleagues,” Lythgoe wrote in his denial statement, calling the claims “false” and “deeply offensive.”
Although Lythgoe said he would “fight this appalling smear with everything I have,” two more women have since come forward accusing him of sexual assault and battery that allegedly took place in the early 2000s.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
