Two former contestants of the reality competition show “All American Girl” have filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, a veteran TV producer, alleging sexual assault and harassment. The incident is said to have occurred 20 years ago during the production of the show.
Key Takeaway
Former contestants of “All American Girl” have filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe, alleging sexual assault and harassment during the production of the show. The lawsuit accuses Lythgoe and an unnamed production company of multiple offenses, including sexual assault and battery, and invokes California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act.
Allegations of Sexual Assault and Harassment
The contestants, referred to as Jane Does in the lawsuit, claim that Lythgoe repeatedly made unwelcome advances towards them during their time on the show. They allege that he would inappropriately touch them, including swatting and groping their buttocks, while they were in dance costumes. Additionally, they assert that after a celebratory party marking the end of filming, Lythgoe insisted on driving one of the women back to the studio, but instead took them to his home where he made unwanted sexual advances towards both of them.
Legal Action and Allegations
The lawsuit, filed anonymously, accuses Lythgoe and an unnamed production company of sexual assault and battery, sexual harassment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence. The plaintiffs are invoking California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act in an effort to revive their claims, despite the statute of limitations having expired.
