Nigel Lythgoe Steps Down from ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ After Paula Abdul Lawsuit

Nigel Lythgoe will not take part on this 12 months’s version of “So You Think You Can Dance” … making the choice after claims of sexual assault have been leveled in opposition to him by Paula Abdul.

Nigel tells TMZ, “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.”

Nigel provides, “In the meantime, I am dedicating myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”

TMZ broke the story … Abdul filed a lawsuit in opposition to Nigel final week claiming she’d been sexually assaulted by him on not less than two events — as soon as when she was a decide on “American Idol” and once more whereas she labored on ‘SYTYCD.’

Throughout the ‘Idol’ incident, she says Nigel grabbed her breasts and genitals whereas attempting to kiss her in an elevator. Paula claims Nigel tried to power himself on her throughout “SYTYCD.”