Sony Pictures has launched an investigation into the disgusting sexual assault claims against Nigel Lythgoe. The So You Think You Can Dance executive producer and judge has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by several women, including Paula Abdul.
The women are suing Nigel, and while that gets worked out in court, Sony has launched their own investigation. While it’s unclear if action will be taken, it’s good to hear the work is being done to investigate.
TMZ reported all of the details. Here’s what we know.
Sony steps in
In Paula’s lawsuit, she claimed that Nigel sexually assaulted her two times. The first time was during their time on American Idol, and then the second time was years later when she judged SYTYCD. Then, two contestants from Nigel’s show All American Girl came forward and joined Paula’s lawsuit, claiming that he sexually assaulted them, too.
In both cases, Nigel allegedly lured the women back to his home and made unwanted sexual advances. In Paula’s case, she said that Nigel brought her there under the pretense that they would be discussing work opportunities. She also claimed that he groped one of his assistants on SYTYCD. Of course, Nigel denies doing anything wrong.
Nigel helped create SYTYCD along with Simon Fuller, and they’ve served as executive producers throughout the entire run. Nigel has also been a judge for every season except for Season 17.
Sony Pictures Television co-produces So You Think You Can Dance, so they’re conducting an internal probe to uncover any wrongdoings, especially as it pertains to the work environment.
Last year, they fired Matthew Morrison from his role as a judge for sending an inappropriate DM to a contestant. If their executive producer is behind the scenes doing worse, then they have a big problem on their hands.
The investigation is still in its early stages, so it’s unclear how it will impact the upcoming season of So You Think You Can Dance. The show is slated to return to Fox with Season 18 on March 4, 2024. Currently, Nigel is poised to return to the judge’s panel, in addition to this role as executive producer.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK NIGEL SHOULD BE FIRED FROM SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE? WILL YOU WATCH THE SHOW IF NIGEL IS STILL ON IT?
