Nigel Lythgoe denies any sexual allegations against him imposed by Paula Abdul

Nigel Lythgoe has denied the allegations of sexual assault imposed on him by Paula Abdul.

“To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement,” said the former American Idol executive producer, in a statement to Us Weekly. He asserted that for more than two decades, he has been in contact with Paula as either friends or colleagues, both of which has been “entirely platonic.”

Lythgoe claimed to have learnt about the allegations yesterday, which did not only saddened him but also offended him as it is against everything he stands for.

He concluded, “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.” In addition, he has vowed to fight the “appalling smear” with everything that he has.