In the wake of multiple sexual assault lawsuits against Nigel, the 74-year-old disgraced producer 'voluntarily' stepped down from his duty as a judge on the FOX dancing competition show.
- Jan 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - JoJo Siwa will return to the "So You Think You Can Dance". The dancer and YouTuber is set to serve as a judge in season 18 of the FOX show, filling the void left by Nigel Lythgoe amid sexual assault accusations leveled at him.
In the new season, which is set to premiere on March 4, JoJo will join Allison Holker and Maksim Chmerkovskiy on the judging panel. Cat Deeley will serve as the host, while it's unclear when the dancing competition series will do any reshoots following Nigel's departure.
In the wake of multiple sexual assault lawsuits against, Nigel announced that he "voluntarily" stepped down from his duty as a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance". The 74-year-old disgraced producer said in a statement on January 5, "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 continued, "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."
In a separate statement, FOX and Sony Pictures Television's 19 Entertainment confirmed Nigel's exit. At the time, the two companies stressed that the upcoming season 18 "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."
Nigel's departure arrived after Paula Abdul accused him of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed on December 29, 2023. Paula, who was a judge on both "So You Think You Can Dance" and "American Idol" which Nigel also produced, alleged that he groped her breasts and genitals and forcibly kissed her inside the elevator during one of the early seasons of "American Idol".
Nigel then invited her to his home for dinner a decade later, and that was when Nigel allegedly forced himself on top of her while she was sitting on his couch. Paula claimed she managed to resist and flee in both instances. Not stopping there, Nigel continued to verbally harass and bully her. She also noted in the lawsuit that she was paid less than the male judges on "American Idol".
Nigel, who was also slapped with another sexual abuse lawsuit from two former contestants of "All American Girl", denied the allegations in a statement that read, "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."
