(In the Combs ruling, the judge sided with the embattled music mogul on multiple factors.
Abdul alleged Lythgoe shoved her against the elevator wall, forcibly kissed her and groped her breasts and genitals.
Lythgoe has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations false, despicable, intolerable, and life-changing.
Nigel Lythgoe attends a celebration of the British nominees for the 95th Academy Awards at the British Consulate General Residence on March 10, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.Kevin Winter/Getty Images
The lawyer then cited a different celebrity case to support her argument.
(A jury ultimately found Rose not liable.)
Eubanks said that Lythgoe, like Rose, is famous and has fans.
Lythgoes lawyer tried to counter that Rose had much more vocal and rowdy fans.
She said theres no evidence Lythgoe has a rabid fan following whos going to potentially retaliate against Doe.
Any fan can be vocal and ugly, the judge shot back.
You know as well as I do, you dont need a rabid following.
You need the wrong person who attaches to Mr. Lythgoe and thinks theyre doing something for his benefit.
Im not sure about that, the judge responded.
Someone may actually think that is a better way of discussing something as sensitive as [sexual assault].
Defendant is a television and film director, producer, and television personality.
Weve always said that these claims were meritless and now the court has agreed.
She hassince settled with the production companiesand is due to face Lythgoe at a trial set for next August.
