Pop icon Paula Abdul settles sexual assault lawsuit against 'American Idol' producer Nigel Lythgoe, ending a decade-long legal battle that rocked the music industry.
beat sheet
The settlement amount is undisclosed, but sources claim it's a multi-million dollar payout to Abdul, who alleged Lythgoe assaulted her multiple times on the 'Idol' set in the early 2000s.
Despite the settlement, Lythgoe maintains his innocence, calling the agreement a 'strategic business decision' to avoid a prolonged and costly trial that could further damage his reputation in Hollywood.
call sheet
Paula Abdul, Nigel Lythgoe, American Idol, American Idol