Nigel Lythgoe Under Investigation by ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Production Company Amid Sexual Assault Lawsuits

An internal investigation has been launched by Sony Pictures Television’s 19 Entertainment involving Nigel Lythgoe, an executive producer for shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "American Idol", as per a source familiar with the matter. Sony has not made any public comment regarding the investigation. Lythgoe has recently been on the receiving end of two lawsuits for sexual assault, one of which was filed by Paula Abdul on December 29. Abdul leveled accusations not just against Lythgoe, but also 19 Entertainment, FremantleMedia North America, American Idol Productions and Dance Nation Productions for safeguarding him and neglecting to reprimand him. The lawsuit reveals that Abdul has long restrained herself from voicing her experiences of sexual harassment and assaults attributed to Lythgoe, due to fear of repercussions on her television career and facing complete isolation from an industry which frequently protects influential men while gagging sexual assault victims. Lythgoe vehemently denied these claims in a statement on December 30, asserting that the accusations have deeply offended and shocked him. Two other allegations against Lythgoe have been filed by contestants from the show “All American Girl” which broadcasted in 2003 on ABC.