Nigel Lythgoe ‘voluntarily’ leaves ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ but continues to deny Paula Abdul assault claims

Nigel Lythgoe is and lead judge on Fox competition series “So You Think You Can Dance,” following accusations of sexual assault made against him by former colleague and “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul. In a statement Friday, Lythgoe said he’s , but did not specifically mention the two sexual misconduct lawsuits against him, including one filed by “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 said in the statement captured by The Hollywood Reporter.

“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 added. “In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.” Abdul, who also served as a judge on “SYTYCD” from 2015 to 2016, filed her lawsuit just last week, on Dec.

29, claiming that Lythgoe “verbally insulted and belittled” her while serving as an executive producer of “American Idol,” prior to the show’s 2002 debut. The former singer, dancer and actress said she took the job on “Idol” hoping what had happened was “a one time event,” but alleges that Lythgoe later groped and kissed her in a hotel elevator during one of the early seasons.

Years later, when the two worked together on “SYTYCD,” Abdul alleges she was assaulted again during a dinner at his home. “Lythgoe forced himself on top of Abdul while she was seated on his couch and attempted to kiss her while proclaiming that the two would make an excellent ‘power couple,’” the suit claims.

Abdul said that she did not report the incidents at the time due to fear that Lythgoe’s retaliation could harm her career. Lythgoe, meanwhile, has maintained that he’s innocent, calling Abdul’s claims The second lawsuit filed against him comes from two former “All American Girl” contestants, who have during the short lived ABC reality series, which he produced..