Nigel Lythgoe will no longer be serving as a judge on the American reality show So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD). The film producer, who has been associated with the programme for many decades now has decided to step down from his position, following two sexual assault allegations against him. Nigel was the executive producer of the dance-based competition for 16 seasons. However, in a statement issued by him recently, the 74-year-old confirmed that he has willfully decided to no longer perform as a judge in SYTYCD. Nigel will now focus his attention on “clearing his name” from the allegations instead.
According to a report by Variety, Nigel Lythgoe was accused of “groping and forcibly kissing”. American singer and dancer Paula Abdul in an elevator, almost 20 years ago. Paula was a contestant on American Idol and later acted as the judge of the show. She further accused Nigel of harassing her assistant too. Nigel however, refuted the claims stating that her allegations were “deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for,” reports Entertainment Weekly. As per the second lawsuit, two women participating in the short-lived show All American Girl also charged Nigel with making unwanted advances towards them and trying to kiss them forcibly at a 2023 after-party.
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In a statement to Variety, Nigel Lythgoe shared, “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. 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. In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”
Fox channel which premieres SYTYCD and the producers of Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment confirmed Nigel Lythgoe’s departure from the dance competition. In a joint statement, they asserted that the show will remain loyal to the performers who have spared no effort to get the chance to compete on the stage. “No decision has been made as to a replacement judge for this season,” read the concluding statement.
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Nigel Lythgoe has been the judge of SYTYCD since its inception in 2005. The show’s 18th season will be airing on Fox on March 4. Dancing With The Stars’ former contestant Maksim Chmerkovskiy and choreographer Allison Holker will be acting as judges in the upcoming season.
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