Nigel Lythgoe Exits 'So You Think You Can Dance' Amid Paula Abdul Claims

Nigel Lythgoe at the American Ballet Theatre's Holiday Benefit at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Dec. 11, 2023, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Nigel Lythgoe has exited So You Think You Can Dance in the wake of Paula Abdul's claims of sexual assault.

On Friday, Jan. 5, Lythgoe, 74, confirmed his departure from the Fox dance competition series.

"I have informed the producers of So You Think You Can Dance of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series," he told TMZ. "I did so with a heavy heart but entirely voluntarily because this great program has always been about dance and dancers, and that’s where its focus needs to remain."

Lythgoe added, "In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation."

Before announcing his exit, Lythgoe served as a judge on SYTYCD for 16 out of 17 seasons and was set to return for Season 18. He was also the creator and worked as an executive producer of the show.

The news comes on the heels of Abdul, 61, filing a lawsuit against Lythgoe on Dec. 29. In the suit, she alleged Lythgoe sexually assaulted her when she was a judge on American Idol and while she worked with him on So You Think You Can Dance, Rolling Stone reported. Alleged offenses include: sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence.

In addition to Lythgoe, defendants include American Idol Productions, Dance Nation Productions, 19 Entertainment and Fremantlemedia North America. Abdul claims the defendants discriminated against her during American Idol by paying her less than the male judges. She also alleges the series' production "bullied her."

Furthermore, Abdul alleged that Lythgoe sexually assaulted her in a hotel elevator and later, in 2015, allegedly sexually assaulted her at his home during what she thought was a "professional invitation."

Lythgoe has denied the allegations, according to a statement shared by BBC News. "I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for," he noted, adding, "I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have."

Next: ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Renewed for Season 18 With New Judges