Nigel Lythgoe is stepping down from his place as a choose on “So You Think You Can Dance” following a number of sexual assault allegations.
“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 stated in a assertion to The Hollywood Reporter on 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. In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”
Fox and the manufacturing corporations behind the long-running dance competitors present stated in a joint assertion on Friday that its upcoming season will proceed with out him “to ensure the show remains committed to the contestants, who have worked incredibly hard for the opportunity to compete on our stage,” including that no resolution has been made about who will substitute Lythgoe, USA Today reported.
Lythgoe’s departure comes every week after pop singer Paula Abdul sued him for allegedly sexually assaulting her twice — as soon as throughout the early 2000s when she was one of many authentic judges on “American Idol” and he was an government producer for the singing competitors present, and once more when she was on “SYTYCD” years later. She additionally alleged that he groped and sexually assaulted her assistant.
According to ABC News, Lythgoe referred to as the allegations an “appalling smear” and stated he intends to combat them.
Days after Abdul’s lawsuit, one other sexual assault lawsuit was filed in opposition to Lythgoe on behalf of two ladies who had been contestants on “All American Girl,” a 2003 actuality present for which he was an government producer. In the lawsuit, the 2 accused Lythgoe of sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, negligence, gender violence and intentional infliction of emotional misery.
For a long time, Lythgoe, 74, has labored as a TV producer for actuality competitors exhibits within the U.S. and Britain, the place he was born. His exit from “SYTYCD,” which he co-created with Simon Fuller in 2005 and on which he was government producer and a choose, arrives simply forward of its 18th season. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Lythgoe is not going to be credited as the chief producer within the upcoming season of the Emmy-winning present.
