The entertainment news site TMZ tells about the decisive twist.
Paula Abdul, known from the American Idol program, says that she is satisfied with the solution. ZumaWire / MVPHOTOS
American Idol judge Paula Abdul, 62, and the show’s producer Nigel Lythgoe, 75, have reached an agreement.
Abdul sued Lythgoe last year for sexual assault and harassment. The lawsuit alleged, among other things, that Lythgoe had forcibly kissed Abdul and groped her private parts during the filming of the show.
Lythgoe defended himself fiercely in the media. He called the allegations false and vowed not to give up the legal battle lightly.
– Although Paula’s erratic behavior is well known, I cannot pretend to understand why she would file a lawsuit that she surely knows is false. But I can promise that I will fight with all my might against this horrible smear, Lythgoe said.
Producer Nigel Lythgoe has denied the allegations against him. PDO
Now an entertainment news site TMZ says that the parties have reached an agreement outside the courtroom. The trial was supposed to start next year.
Abdul tells TMZ that the case has come to a “successful” conclusion.
– I am grateful that this chapter has successfully ended and is now something I can leave behind, Abdul commented to TMZ.
– This has been a long and hard personal battle. I hope that my experience can inspire other women who are going through similar struggles — so that they too can turn the page and start a new chapter in their lives,” says Abdul.
Lythgoe has also commented on the settlement to TMZ.
– We live in a worrying time where a person is automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent. Such a process can take years, Lythgoe says.
– That’s why, like Paula, I’m happy that I can put the matter behind me. I know the truth, and it gives me great comfort.
TMZ has no information on whether the money changed hands as a result of the agreement. TMZ is not talking about other details of the contract either.