Paula Abdul 'grateful' as she settles sexual assault lawsuit with Nigel Lythgoe

ok.co.uk:

US music and television icon Paula Abdul has expressed her relief after settling a lawsuit with American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, who she accused of sexually assaulting her during her time as a judge on the show.The 62 year old pop star from the 80s and 90s filed a notice of settlement in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday, which is still awaiting approval by a judge.

British TV producer Nigel, 75, has strongly denied the allegations made in the Californian lawsuit filed nearly a year ago. Speaking to US publication People on Friday, Paula said: "I am grateful that this chapter has successfully come to a close and is now something I can now put behind me." She added: "This has been a long and hard-fought personal battle.

I hope my experience can serve to inspire other women facing similar struggles, to overcome their own challenges with dignity and respect, so that they too can turn the page and begin a new chapter of their lives." According to the documents, Paula remained silent "due to fear of speaking out against one of the most well-known producers of television competition shows who could easily break her career as a television personality".

Her lawsuit accused Nigel of assault while they were working together on hit shows American Idol and the US version of So You Think You Can Dance.