Nigel Lythgoe Exits So You Think You Can Dance Amid Paul Abdul Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Nigel Lythgoe is bailing out of So You Think You Can Dance.
The executive manufacturer and co-creator of the dance competitors revealed that he’s willingly leaving the program. His departure comes a week after previous SYTYCD and American Idol judge Paula Abdul implicated him of sexual attack inDec 29 suit.
” I have actually notified the manufacturers of So You Think You Can Dance of my choice to go back from taking part in this year’s series,” Lythgoe stated in a declaration to The Hollywood ReporterJan 5. “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.”
The 74- year-old included, “In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”
FOX, Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment validated the exit to E! News, stating in a joint declaration that “the show remains committed to the contestants” and they have actually not decided on a replacement judge.
Abdul, 61, implicated Lythgoe of attacking her when they worked together on SYTYCD and American Idol She declared in her suit that he searched and kissed her while they were taking a trip for American Idol’ s local auditions in among the early seasons.
