Nigel Lythgoe has stepped down from his role as a judge on “So You Think You Can Dance” days after Paula Abdul sued him for 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,” he told TMZ 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.”
Lythgoe, 74, concluded his statement, saying, “In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”
19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions, and FOX also told Page Six, “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.”
The move comes a week after Abdul, 61, filed a lawsuit against the director, alleging that he sexually assaulted her in a hotel elevator while they were traveling for “American Idol” during one of the show’s “initial seasons.”
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“Lythgoe shoved Abdul against the wall, then grabbed her genitals and breasts, and began shoving his tongue down her throat,” the court documents obtained by Page Six at the time stated.
“Abdul attempted to push Lythgoe away from her. When the doors to the elevator for her door opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator and to her hotel room. Abdul quickly called one of her representatives in tears to inform them of the assault.”
In the suit, the “Opposites Attract” singer also alleged that a separate incident took place when Lythgoe invited her over to his home for dinner, which she accepted because she believed it was a “professional invitation.”
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“Toward the end of the evening, 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,’” court documents read.
“Abdul pushed Lythgoe off of her, explaining that she was not interested in his advances and immediately left.”
Lythgoe denied Abdul’s allegations, saying in a statement to Page Six that he is “shocked and saddened by the allegations” made against him.
