Entertainment

Paula Abdul Sues ‘American Idol’ Producer Nigel Lythgoe for Sexual Assault on December 30, 2023 at 2:58 pm Us Weekly

Published

1 year ago

December 30, 2023

Paula Abdul has named reality TV producer Nigel Lythgoe in a new lawsuit, accusing him of sexual assault, Us Weekly can confirm.

Abdul, 61, claimed that Lythgoe, 74, assaulted her multiple times back when she was a judge on both American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, according to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone. Abdul filed her lawsuit on Friday, December 29. (Lythgoe has not publicly addressed Abdul’s allegations. Us has reached out to both Lythgoe and Abdul for comment.)

Abdul was a judge on American Idol for its first eight seasons, beginning in 2002. Lythgoe, meanwhile, was a producer on the singing competition until 2014. According to Abdul’s lawsuit, she claimed that Lythgoe “verbally insulted and belittled” her and called her a “has-been” when they first met about her signing on as a judge. She also claimed that Lythgoe bullied her after she took the judging gig.

Abdul also alleged that Lythgoe sexually assaulted her in the elevator of a hotel room when they were traveling for auditions on one of the “initial seasons” of Idol. Abdul did not list a specific year of the encounter but claimed that Lythgoe “shoved [her] against the wall” and groped her body.

Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe. Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

“Abdul attempted to push Lythgoe away from her. When the doors to the elevator for her door opened, Abdul ran out of the elevator and to her hotel room,” the court documents read. “Abdul quickly called one of her representatives in tears to inform them of the assault.”

Abdul chose not to address the accusations at the time out of fear of retaliation, claiming in her lawsuit that Lythgoe had the power to fire her from American Idol.

Several years later, Abdul claimed that Lythgoe assaulted her for a second time in 2014. She claimed that Lythgoe had invited her to his house for a professional dinner meeting, where he allegedly “forced himself on top of [her]” and “attempted to kiss her.”

“Abdul pushed Lythgoe off of her, explaining that she was not interested in his advances and immediately left,” the suit reads, noting Abdul chose not to publicly discuss the alleged incident due to her contracts.

Paula Abdul and Nigel Lythgoe. Steve Granitz/WireImage

Abdul, who briefly joined the So You Think You Can Dance judging panel in 2014 alongside Lythgoe, claimed in her legal filing that her contracts from both Idol and SYTYCD “prohibited [her] from publicly disclosing sensitive information” about the shows and its business affairs.

During her time on So You Think You Can Dance, Abdul also allegedly witnessed Lythgoe sexually assault one of her assistants without consent. Lythgoe has not publicly addressed the claims.

Abdul filed her lawsuit, in which she is seeking damages for sexual assault/battery, sexual harassment, gender violence and negligence, in Los Angeles under California’s Sexual Abuse and Cover-Up Accountability Act, which allowed victims a one-year window to file sexual abuse lawsuits that would otherwise be outside the statute of limitations. The deadline expires on Sunday, December 31.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Paula Abdul has named reality TV producer Nigel Lythgoe in a new lawsuit, accusing him of sexual assault, Us Weekly can confirm. Abdul, 61, claimed that Lythgoe, 74, assaulted her multiple times back when she was a judge on both American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, according to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone.

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Business

The Last of Us” Season 2: Cast and Creators Share Insights at SXSW

Published

13 hours ago

March 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

The cast and creators of the highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” gathered at SXSW to discuss the upcoming season. The panel featured cast members Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsey (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy), Kaitlyn Dever (Abby), Isabela Merced (Dina), and Young Mazino (Jesse), along with co-creators Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin.

Navigating Expectations and Surprising Fans

With the immense success of season one, Druckmann and Mazin acknowledged the pressure to deliver a worthy follow-up. Mazin emphasized their approach to cater to both fans of the game and newcomers to the series. “We try and think about the people who have played the game and make sure that we keep them on their toes and a little bit surprised,” Mazin stated. Druckmann highlighted the emotional weight of adapting “The Last of Us Part II,” emphasizing the dedication of the entire production team to doing justice to the source material.

A Glimpse into Season 2

Attendees were treated to a trailer for season two, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie five years after the events of the first season. Ramsey described the changed dynamic, hinting at a rift between the characters. Pascal added that their relationship is in “a different place” and that it is “fucking heartbreaking”.

Big Ideas: Tribalism, Love, and Loss

The creators delved into the central themes of season two, including tribalism, the destructive nature of love, and the consequences of loss. Druckmann explained that the season explores the complexities of community and the dehumanization that can occur when groups clash. Mazin emphasized the escalation of these themes, highlighting the potential for isolation and the lengths characters will go to protect their loved ones.

New and Expanded Characters

The panel also touched on new characters and expanded roles in season two. Gabriel Luna discussed Tommy’s evolution into a father, emphasizing how it solidifies his purpose and strengthens his commitment to protecting his family and community. The introduction of new characters like Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara, and the expansion of existing characters like Isaac, played by Jeffrey Wright, promise to add depth and nuance to the narrative. Additionally, the inclusion of Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a character mentioned but not seen in the game, offers a rewarding experience for longtime fans.

Music as a Binding Force

Music continues to play a significant role in “The Last of Us,” particularly in the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Ramsey shared that music serves as a bonding experience for the characters, mirroring the connection between the actors on set. The guitar, a symbol of Joel’s promise to teach Ellie, takes on a more prominent role in season two.

Diving into the Game

The actors discussed their individual approaches to engaging with the source material. Kaitlyn Dever shared her experience playing the game with her father, while Young Mazino admitted to playing the second game up to a certain point.

How to Find More Free Events

SXSW Official Schedule: Use the SXSW website to filter for free events.
Eventbrite: Browse listings for unofficial SXSW events, many of which are free or low-cost.

Whether you’re a badge holder or not, SXSW 2025 offers something for everyone. From delicious food to live music and interactive experiences, there’s no shortage of fun to be had without spending a fortune. So, grab your friends and enjoy the best of Austin without a badge!

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Business

No Badge? No Problem: Free SXSW Events

Published

13 hours ago

March 9, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

SXSW, one of the world’s most vibrant festivals, is underway in Austin, Texas, from March 7 to 15, 2025. While official badges can be pricey, there are plenty of free events and activities that allow everyone to join in on the fun without breaking the bank. Here’s a guide to some of the best free events at SXSW 2025:

Free Food and Drinks

Argentinian Barbecue at Tech N’ Fest
- Enjoy a fusion of Argentinian and Texas barbecue, along with complimentary wine and beer, at Buenos Cafe on March 7.

Love is Blind at Lucille
- Celebrate the fifth anniversary of Netflix’s “Love is Blind” with free coffee and cocktails at Lucille on Rainey Street.
Free Pastries and Non-Alcoholic Beer
- Handsome’s and Helium Mobile are hosting a gathering with free pastries and non-alcoholic beer, featuring DJ Jah Karma.
Mionetto Salone
- Experience Italian culture with free spritzes and Prosecco at the Mex-Ar Museum.

Interactive Experiences

Whataburger’s Museum of Art
- Explore hundreds of pieces of fan art and interactive features at Wanderlust Wine Co. on March 8-9.
Barbie Birthday Cake Mochi
- Enjoy free mochi ice cream at the SX Registrant booth from March 7 to 12.
Artisan Mercado@SXSW
- Discover local artisans and their wares at 419 Congress Ave. on March 7..

Music and Entertainment

Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcase
- Catch live music performances at ACL Live from March 11 to 14.

Taiwan Beats Day Party
- Enjoy Taiwanese hip-hop performances and cuisine at Seven on East 7th Street.
Something To Feel X SXSW Rnb Party
- Dance the night away at 612 W 4th St on March 7.

Networking and Community Events

K-Content Night 2025 @ SXSW
- Enjoy free dinner and drinks at Parlor & Yard on March 8.
SXSW Creator & Publisher Happy Hour
- Network with industry leaders at Chisos Boot Company on March 8.

How to Find More Free Events

SXSW Official Schedule: Use the SXSW website to filter for free events.
Eventbrite: Browse listings for unofficial SXSW events, many of which are free or low-cost.

Entertainment

Harvey Weinstein Diagnosed with Cancer

Published

2 days ago

March 7, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Harvey Weinstein, once a titan of Hollywood, now faces a new adversary: cancer. The 72-year-old former film producer has been diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a rare and serious form of bone marrow cancer. This revelation comes as Weinstein continues to serve time at Rikers Island in New York, adding another layer of complexity to his already tumultuous legal saga.

A History of Health Struggles

Weinstein’s cancer diagnosis is not an isolated incident in his medical history. Over the past year, he has grappled with a series of health complications:

September 2024: Emergency heart surgery to remove fluid from his lungs and heart
July 2024: Hospitalization for COVID-19 and double pneumonia
Ongoing issues: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and spinal stenosis

Dr. Elena Rodriguez, an oncologist not involved in Weinstein’s care, comments, “Chronic myeloid leukemia, especially in a patient with multiple comorbidities, presents significant treatment challenges in a prison environment.”

Legal Battles Continue

Despite his deteriorating health, Weinstein’s legal troubles persist:

April 2024: His 2020 New York conviction for sexual crimes was overturned
Current status: Serving a 16-year sentence for a 2022 rape conviction in Los Angeles
Upcoming: Facing a retrial in New York on charges of criminal sexual assault and rape, scheduled for April 15, 2025

Arthur Aidala, Weinstein’s attorney, has pushed for an expedited trial, stating, “Mr. Weinstein is terminally ill with cancer and is currently an innocent man in New York. Justice delayed is justice denied.”

The #MeToo Movement’s Reaction

Tarana Burke, founder of the #MeToo movement, offered a measured response: “While we cannot ignore the severity of a cancer diagnosis, it’s crucial to remember the severity of Weinstein’s actions and their impact on countless lives.”

Privacy Concerns and Public Interest

Weinstein’s team has called for privacy regarding his medical condition. Craig Rothfeld, his legal healthcare representative, emphasized, “Out of respect for Mr. Weinstein’s privacy, we will offer no further comment.”

However, the public interest in Weinstein’s case remains high, given his central role in sparking the #MeToo movement and his fall from grace in Hollywood.