Nigel Lythgoe is leaving Fox's 'So You Think You Can Dance' amid sexual assault lawsuits
Nigel Lythgoe is stepping down as a judge on Fox's reality dancing competition show "So You Think You Can Dance" as he faces two sexual assault lawsuits that were filed against him over the past week.
In a statement shared with USA TODAY on Friday, Lythgoe, 74, said he'd "informed the producers of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ of my decision to step back from participating in this year’s series."
The statement continues: "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 and the production companies behind "SYTYCD" confirmed the news Friday in a joint statement obtained by USA TODAY.
"19 Entertainment, Dick Clark Productions, and Fox can confirm the upcoming season of 'So You Think You Can Dance' will proceed, although without Nigel Lythgoe, to ensure the show remains committed to the contestants, who have worked incredibly hard for the opportunity to compete on our stage," the statement reads. "No decision has been made as to a replacement judge for this season."
Season 18 of "SYTYCD" is scheduled to premiere March 4.
Paula Abdul, 'All American Girl' contestants filed lawsuits against Nigel Lythgoe
On Dec. 29, Paula Abdul filed a lawsuit against the former “American Idol” producer, alleging Lythgoe sexually assaulted her during one of the “initial seasons” of "Idol" — on which she served as a judge for eight seasons starting in 2002 — and again in 2014 when she was hosting “SYTYCD.”
Lythgoe quickly denied Abdul's allegations: "Not only are (the claims) false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for," he said. "While Paula’s history of erratic behavior is well known, I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have."
Days after Abdul filed her lawsuit, two contestants who appeared on the 2003 ABC talent competition show "All American Girl" accused Lythgoe of sexual assault, sexual harassment and negligence stemming from an alleged attack in May of that year. They filed anonymously, using the names Jane Doe K.G. and Jane Doe K.N.
Lythgoe produced “Idol” from 2002 to 2014 and "SYTYCD" from 2005-14. He's been a "SYTYCD" judge since it premiered in 2005.
Paula Abdul sues Nigel Lythgoe:Former judge alleges he sexually assaulted her during 'Idol,' 'SYTYCD'
Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri and Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY