A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has dismissed Lythgoe as a defendant in a sexual assault lawsuit filed by two former contestants on the reality TV show 'All American Girl'.
- Jun 29, 2024
AceShowbiz - A California judge has dismissed Nigel Lythgoe, the former executive producer of "All American Girl", from a sexual assault lawsuit brought by two Jane Doe plaintiffs. Judge Shirley K. Watkins ruled that the plaintiffs did not qualify for revival of their claims under the Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act because Lythgoe is an individual, not a corporate entity.
The judge said the subdivision of the law cited by the plaintiffs to revive their claims is "inapplicable" to Lythgoe. She added that the plaintiffs are "barred from ever adding Lythgoe back to the complaint."
Lythgoe's lawyer, Amitabh Banerji, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, saying, "Today was a good day. We've always said that these claims were meritless and now the Court has agreed."
The plaintiffs' lawyer, Sahar Malek, argued that a proposed law known as Assembly Bill 2587 could amend the Sexual Abuse and Cover Up Accountability Act to make it clear that individuals can revive claims against individuals as well when a cover-up is alleged. However, the judge declined to consider the pending legislation.
The two plaintiffs, who competed on "All American Girl," alleged that Lythgoe forcibly groped and kissed them in 2003. The lawsuit was filed as part of a series of suits against Lythgoe by former contestants and employees.
Three other Jane Doe plaintiffs have also filed lawsuits against Lythgoe, alleging sexual assault and harassment on different dates. These lawsuits are still pending and are not affected by the judge's ruling on the revival statute.
