Television producer Nigel Lythgoe said Friday he is stepping down from his role as a judge on the show “So You Think You Can Dance” after lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault, including one from Paula Abdul.
Lythgoe is also co-creator and executive producer of the Fox dance competition series, whose 18th season is scheduled to debut in March.
“I have informed the producers of 'So You Think You Can Dance' of my decision to withdraw from this year's series,” Lythgoe said in a statement. “I did it with a heavy heart, but quite willingly, because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that is where it must remain focused. In the meantime, I am dedicated to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.
English-born Lythgoe, 74, has been a leading television producer for decades in the UK and US, working on reality shows including “American Idol”.
Singer and dancer Abdul alleged in a lawsuit filed Dec. 30 that Lythgoe assaulted her twice — first in the early 2000s, when she was a judge on “American Idol,” and again around a decade later, when she was a judge on “So You Think You.” Can Dance,” which she left after two seasons.
Lythgoe called the allegations a “dreadful slander” which he intends to fight.
The Associated Press generally does not identify people who say they are victims of sexual assault unless they report it publicly, as Abdul did.