Daily Times

Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe have finally settled their lawsuit. As per PEOPLE magazine and the documents they obtained, the pair has reached an agreement where Abdul previously accused the producer of s**ual assault in an “unconditional” manner, earlier this month.

Initially filed on November 12, the hearing on motion to strike portions of Lythgoe’s answer was set for January 2025 and a trail date of August 2025, however both the slots are now expected to be vacated after the court dismisses the lawsuit.

Speaking to PEOPLE magazine, Abdul stated how she believes her story will inspire other women to stand up for what’s right, saying, “I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me.”

“This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle. I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women, facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so that they too can turn the page and begin a new chapter of their lives,” she added.

Meanwhile, in a separate conversation, Lythgoe mentioned, “We live in a troubling time where a person is now automatically assumed to be guilty until proven innocent, a process that can take years. That is why, like Paula, I am glad to be able to put this behind me. I know the truth and that gives me great comfort.”

This settlement comes a year after Paula Abdul sued Nigel Lythgoe for s**ually assaulting her on two occasions, once during the early seasons of Idol and once during her tenure of So Do You Think You Can Dance.