After host and producer Nigel Lythgoe was sued twice for sexual assault in December, recently a third lawsuit has been filed against him by a woman, bringing forth serious accusations that depict disturbing events.
Lythgoe, known for his work on “American Idol”, has asserted that the accusations made by the unnamed woman are baseless and without any evidence. However, these claims do raise an important question about the safety of women in the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to powerful men like Lythgoe.
According to the lawsuit filed on February 17, the alleged incident occurred in February 2016 when the plaintiff, along with her daughter and friends, ran into Lythgoe at a hotel bar in Beverly Hills. After a brief conversation, Lythgoe invited them for a ride in his car. What was supposed to be a two-minute ride turned into a ten-to-fifteen minute ordeal where the plaintiff was subjected to sexual assault and battery.
The lawsuit also reveals that Lythgoe’s driver was present during the entire ordeal, further deepening the disturbing nature of the incident. The plaintiff has accused Lythgoe of assaulting her against her will and leaving her emotionally distressed and violated. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages from Lythgoe.
“What should have been a quick two-minute ride ended up being a ten-to-fifteen minute sexual assault and battery in which plaintiff was trapped in Lythgoe’s vehicle,” alleges a complaint from a Jane Doe against Lythgoe.
“Lythgoe’s sexual assault and battery of plaintiff left her feeling horribly violated, shocked, guilty, humiliated, and embarrassed. Such mental anguish and emotional distress were severe and lasting to this day,” the February 17 filed jury trial seeking suit adds in the barest of language.
This is the third lawsuit filed against Lythgoe in less than two months. In January, “So You Think You Can Dance” judge Paula Abdul sued Lythgoe for sexual assault and battery, revealing that she had been a victim of his misconduct for years. Another lawsuit filed in early January by two Jane Does K.G. and K.N. also accused Lythgoe of sexual assault and harassment.
In response to these allegations, Lythgoe’s representatives have remained silent. However, Jane Doe’s lawyer Melissa Eubanks has released a statement expressing their concern. She said, “It is troubling to hear of yet another alleged incident of a woman being taken advantage of and abused by a prominent public figure.” Eubanks also added, “We are proud to represent Jane Doe and humbled by her courage, and the courage of many other women, to come forward with her story in hopes of ending such egregious misconduct by persons of fame, celebrity, influence, and power.”
The allegations against Lythgoe are yet to be proven in the court of law.
