Be aware: The next article comprises dialogue of sexual misconduct allegations.
So You Assume You Can Dance lead choose Nigel Lythgoe has departed the present in gentle of sexual assault claims.
“I’ve knowledgeable the producers of So You Assume You Can Dance of my choice to step again from taking part on this yr’s collection,” he introduced in a press release (by way of Deadline).
“I did so with a heavy coronary heart however completely voluntarily as a result of this nice program has at all times been about dance and dancers, and that is the place its focus wants to stay. Within the meantime, I’m dedicating myself to clearing my title and restoring my fame.”
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19 Leisure, Dick Clark Productions, and Fox collectively confirmed the upcoming season of the US actuality present will go forward, “though with out Nigel Lythgoe to make sure the present stays dedicated to the contestants, who’ve labored extremely onerous for the chance to compete on our stage”.
“No choice has been made as to a substitute choose for this season, which can premiere on Fox on Monday, March 4,” they added.
The star is at present underneath investigation by 19 Leisure.
On the finish of 2023, Lythgoe’s former So You Assume You Can Dance and American Idol colleague Paula Abdul, who judged on the previous panel for seven years till 2009, sued him in Los Angeles over “indecent conduct” all through their time working collectively.
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A part of the lawsuit reads: “For years, Abdul has remained silent concerning the sexual assaults and harassment she skilled on account of Lythgoe. Lythgoe knew and was conscious that his remedy of Abdul was inappropriate and even legal. Certainly at one level Lythgoe referred to as Abdul and taunted her that they need to have a good time as a result of it had been ‘seven years and the statute of limitations had run’.
“Lythgoe clearly knew that his assaults of Abdul weren’t simply fallacious however that he held the facility to maintain her silent,” with subsequent references to alleged compensation discrimination, bullying, taunting and humiliation.
A second lawsuit has been filed towards Lythgoe from two contestants on actuality present All American Woman pertaining to alleged sexual assault and harassment.
For those who’ve been affected by the problems raised on this story, you may entry extra data from Rape Disaster England and Wales, who work in direction of the elimination of all types of sexual violence and sexual misconduct, on their website or by calling the Nationwide Rape Disaster Helpline on 0808 802 9999. Rape Crisis Scotland’s helpline quantity is 08088 01 03 02.
Readers within the US are inspired to contact RAINN, or the Nationwide Sexual Assault Hotline on 800-656-4673.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Dan is a contract leisure journalist. Starting his writing profession in 2014, Dan’s work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst journal and Little White Lies earlier than transferring onto Complete Movie, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Leisure.
Within the movie and TV universe, he kneels on the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
