Michael Schmidt-Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co

2025-05-07 01:30:43source:Henri Lumièrecategory:Markets

Paula Abdul and Michael SchmidtNigel Lythgoe have settled their lawsuit a year after the allegations sent shockwaves through the dance industry.

On Thursday, the "Straight Up" singer filed a notice of settlement for the lawsuit against her fellow former “So You Think You Can Dance” judge Lythgoe, which included allegations of sexual assault and harassment. The terms of the settlement are unknown.

On Dec. 29 of last year, Abdul filed a lawsuit against the former “American Idol” executive producer, alleging that he sexually assaulted her during one of the “initial seasons” of "Idol" — on which she served as a judge for eight seasons starting in 2002 — and again in 2014 when she was judging "SYTYCD."

“I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me,” Abdul said in a statement provided to CNN and CBS News.

Abdul 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.”

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USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Abdul and Lythgoe for comment.

Nigel Lythgoe is leaving Fox's'So You Think You Can Dance' amid sexual assault lawsuits

Other allegations against Lythgoe

Days after Abdul filed her lawsuit, two contestants who appeared on the 2003 ABC talent competition show "All American Girl" accused Lythgoe of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and negligence stemming from an alleged attack in May of that year. They filed anonymously, using the names Jane Doe K.G. and Jane Doe K.N.

Lythgoe worked on 'American Idol', 'SYTYCD'

Lythgoe produced “Idol” from 2002 to 2014 and "SYTYCD" from 2005-14.

He was a "SYTYCD" judge from its inception in 2005, but stepped back from the "SYTYCD" judging panel in January, telling USA TODAY in a statement at the time that he "informed the producers of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series."

Contributing: KiMi Robinson

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