In 2017, the #MeToo movement rocked Hollywood. Survivors banded together to shine a light on the industry’s underbelly. Following Cassie’s explosive rape and repeated physical abuse lawsuit against Diddy, people feel another reckoning is on the horizon. One of the latest entertainment professionals to come forward in the court of law is “Opposites Attract” singer, choreographer, and television host Paula Abdul.
On December 29, Abdul filed a lawsuit against Nigel Lythgoe in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Why Is Paula Abdul Suing Nigel Lythgoe?
According to documents obtained by Rolling Stone, Abdul accused Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions. The pair worked together on competition shows, American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance. Abdul alleges that near the beginning of American Idol, Lythgoe assaulted her. Although she did not provide a specific timeline for the alleged attack, Lythgoe served in a producer role on American Idol off and on between 2004 and 2012 as documented on IMDB.
However, Abdul did claim in her legal paperwork that Lythgoe assaulted her again in 2014 when she served as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance. Lythgoe maintains his innocence in the matter. Read his full statement provided to TMZ below.
To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear — and entirely platonic — friends and colleagues. Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press, and I want to be clear: not only are they false, but they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for.
While Paula’s history of erratic behavior is well known, I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have.
You don’t hear from Kellyanne Conway much these days, which is probably for the best. Before the holidays, the comic-turned-Trump stooge made a surprise return, in which she wildly speculated that Democrats are obsessed with Jan. 6 while driving electric cars to get abortions. (Guilty as charged!) But let’s not forget about her daughter Claudia, who famously does not agree with her mom, to put it lightly.
Guys my two favorite states are Maine and Colorado right now buttttt I’m not sure why
On Saturday, amidst news that Maine had, like Colorado, at least temporarily removed Donald Trump from the ballot over that whole overturning democracy jawn, Clauda dropped a tweet that seemed to celebrate the move.
“Guys my two favorite states are Maine and Colorado right now buttttt I’m not sure why,” Claudia wrote, accompanied by a plethora of celebratory emojis.
The decision to boot Trump from the ballots on those states, with more sure to follow, has been controversial, and not only amongst Republicans (including, oddly, those challenging him for the nomination). Some have charged that not only will the blockage be overturned, but it could also further inflame his base, who see him as martyrs. On the other hand, there’s the 14th amendment, which prohibits anyone who engaged in insurrection from holding the most powerful office in the land.
But for now, Trump is banned from ballots in two states, who don’t want anything to do with some guy who has straight-up vowed to be a dictator if re-elected, which sounds like it should be disqualifying, too.
On December 29, Paula Abdul filed a case of her own in the courts against former American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance producer Nigel Lythgoe, as well as the show’s production companies. In documents obtained by Rolling Stone, Abdul accused Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her on several occasions during her time hosting each show.
Yesterday (December 30), Lythgoe reached out to TMZ to deny the allegations made by Abdul. Read his full statement below:
To say that I am shocked and saddened by the allegations made against me by Paula Abdul is a wild understatement. For more than two decades, Paula and I have interacted as dear — and entirely platonic — friends and colleagues. Yesterday, however, out of the blue, I learned of these claims in the press and I want to be clear: not only are they false, they are deeply offensive to me and to everything I stand for.
While Paula’s history of erratic behavior is well known, I can’t pretend to understand exactly why she would file a lawsuit that she must know is untrue. But I can promise that I will fight this appalling smear with everything I have.
The Dallas Cowboys escaped Saturday night with a controversial 20-19 win over the Lions after Detroit went for two and the win after a touchdown in the final minute. Their initial two-point conversion try was a pass to lineman Taylor Decker that seemingly won them the game, but he was flagged for illegal touching, as referee Brad Allen said he had failed to report as eligible.
However, as ESPN’s cameras showed, both Decker and Penei Sewell — who was also lined up as an eligible receiver — went over to Allen prior to the play, with Dan Skipper also running over to Allen at the same time. Allen thought Skipper was reporting as eligible, as he had a few times previously, and told the Cowboys that was the case, flagging Decker for catching the ball and Skipper for being covered up on the play. It appears it was a massive misunderstanding of who was reporting eligible, and on Sunday morning, FOX’s rules expert Dean Blandino broke down exactly what happened and why he felt the Lions and Allen both shared some responsibility for the mistake.
“It’s a two-point try for the game. There’s no reason to rush. Slow it down, make sure who’s eligible and who isn’t.”
As Blandino notes, players have to clearly identify as eligible, usually by wiping the front of their jersey along with a verbal indicator, and while Decker and Sewell go over to Allen, they don’t make an obvious gesture. At the same time, he says Allen can’t be in a rush in this instance and has to get this right given the situation, as he seems to almost assume 70 is reporting eligible because he runs over — which may have been a bit of gamesmanship to keep the Cowboys a little confused as to who was actually going to be eligible.
In a postgame pool report, Allen explained his view of the situation and didn’t feel Sewell and Decker were declaring themselves as eligible, even with the video showing them clearly coming over to him prior to the play.
While the Lions certainly could’ve made things a bit clearer, it’s a poor job by Allen of not paying close enough attention to what he was being told that quite possibly cost Detroit the game — it must be said that if Allen had gotten it right and had 68 and 58 as eligible, he would’ve told the Cowboys and they would’ve likely defended the play a bit differently. The entire saga won’t help the view of many that NFL officiating has gotten worse recently, as making that kind of mistake in that moment is pretty dreadful.
Unless you’re going on a trip, New Year’s Day is one of those holidays that you somehow don’t see coming. All the attention goes to NYE — what party you are going to show up to, what you are going to wear, and which of your friends and family you want to be around as you usher in the new year. You’re probably not thinking about what you’ll do the day after — aside from curing a hangover — and more importantly, what you’re going to eat.
Let me warn you though, figure this out asap because nothing sucks like going hungry on New Year’s Day.
This happened to me last year. I spent the morning of New Year’s Day with friends, eating leftover tamales from Christmas. When dinner crept around and hunger set in, I realized I didn’t have any food left for dinner. So I jumped in a car and hit up a nearby McDonald’s. The line was long but after about 20 minutes with me in the same spot, I started to get this sneaking suspicion that we were all waiting for nothing.
I left the line, wheeled parallel to the food window, and realized no one was there.
Why was the car at the drive-thru speaker just waiting for 20 minutes without realizing no one was there? This is a question that still haunts me to this day.
Anyway, my point is, that you don’t want to end up like me, hungry and waiting at a drive-thru speaker that doesn’t have an employee on the other side of it. So we’re listing out all the restaurants and fast food spots that will be open this New Year’s Day. If your favorite establishment isn’t on this list, it’s probably safe to assume they’re closed. Let’s dive in!
Applebee’s — If you’re rolling up to Applebee’s on New Year’s Eve, make it early as ours are reduced. But regular hours resume on New Year’s Day.
Benihana — Hours will vary by location but most Benihana’s will be open on New Year’s Day.
Bonefish Grill — Bonefish Grill will be operating with normal hours on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Boston Market — Most Boston Market locations will be open on New Year’s Day. Call ahead to make sure your local B-Mart is open.
Buca Di Beppo— Buca Di Beppo will be open during normal hours on New Year’s Day. Nothing says “new year,” like eating an entire family-size pasta yourself.
Burger King — Most Burger King’s will be open on New Year’s Day. “Yay,” said no one. Just kidding BK fans, we love you.
Buffalo Wild Wings — Most locations will be open on New Year’s Day, but you should call ahead to make sure your favorite local B-Dubs is open.
Cheesecake Factory — Open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, some will be offering extended hours on NYE
Chick-fil-A — Chick-fil-A will be open on New Year’s Day under normal hours but will be closed on New Year’s Eve. Not because Chick-fil-A cares about your NYE plans, but because NYE lands on a Sunday this year.
Chili’s — Chilis will be open and operating under normal business hours.
Chipotle — Chipotle will be open during regular business hours on New Year’s Day.
Cracker Barrel — Cracker Barrel is open under normal hours on New Year’s Day.
Dave and Busters — Dave and Busters is open! What better way to usher in the new year than with games and beers?
Denny’s — Denny’s will be open during New Year’s Day.
Domino’s — Most locations will be open both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, but be warned, it’s going to be a busy day, so pick up carry-out if you like eating hot pizza.
Dunkin — Most Dunkin restaurants will be open on New Year’s Day.
Fogo de Chão — Fogo de Chão will be open on New Year’s Day. Is there ever a day this restaurant isn’t open?
Golden Corral — All Golden Corral locations will be open during regular business hours.
IHOP — IHOP is open on New Year’s Day. Be warned if you feel like eating pancakes on New Year’s Eve, hours may be reduced.
Jimmy John’s — Most Jimmy John’s locations will be open on New Year’s Day. Call ahead to make sure your local JJ’s is open.
McDonald’s — Some McDonald’s locations will be open on New Year’s Day, but because this is a franchise restaurant, a lot of locations will be closed. Like my local McDonald’s last year. Don’t be like me, call ahead of time to make sure your local McDonald’s is open.
Outback Steakhouse — Outback Steakhouse will be open and operating under normal business hours.
Panda Express — Panda Express is open under normal business hours on New Year’s Day.
Panera Bread — Most Panera locations will be open on New Year’s Day. Call ahead to make sure your local Panera is open.
PF Changs — Most PF Changs locations will be open during normal business hours, but call ahead of time to make a reservation if you can. Expect a wait.
Popeyes — Popeyes is a toss up, some locations will be open, some will be closed. Call your local Popeyes or consult the app to see if Popeyes is open.
Red Lobster — Red Lobster will be open on New Year’s Day but hours will vary by location.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House — Ruth’s Chris will close early on New Year’s Eve and all day on New Year’s Day.
Sonic — Sonic restaurants are independently owned, so it’s a toss up whether it’ll be open.
Starbucks — Most Starbucks locations will be open on New Year’s Day.
Subway — Subway is another independently owned restaurant. Some restaurants will be open, a lot will be closed. On the bright side, we’re sure you can make a better sandwich at home with some random leftovers.
Taco Bell — Taco Bell is open on New Year’s Day. Where are you going to find a meal as cheap and delicious as this?
Next week is the third anniversary of the time an outgoing president helped inspire his supporters to attempt a coup. It’s not an occasion one celebrates. But then most people aren’t Donald Trump, who’s apparently decided to troll all those who like democracy by holding a rally on its third anniversary.
Per The Daily Beast, the failed blogger announced he will visit Newton, Iowa on Saturday, Jan. 6. When the rally date was revealed, Thad Nearmyer, the state’s Republican party chairman, said he “didn’t even think anything of it,” only later realizing it “has some significance.” (For what it’s worth, Nearmyer thinks the deadliest attack on the Capitol building since the war of 1812 “wasn’t nearly as big of a deal as it was made out to be.”)
Trump has been upping his antics of late, saying and doing things that seem to confirm his detractors’ worst assumptions of what he has planned if re-elected. Earlier this month, Trump buddy Sean Hannity tried to get him to swear he wouldn’t go full autocrat if he wound up back in the White House…only for Trump to admit he’d be a “dictator,” but only on “Day One.” That understandably didn’t put many at ease.
Jeremy Renner’s 2023 got off to an inauspicious start. This time last year, the Marvel actor was the victim of a freak accident involving a snow plow that ran over him, breaking more than 30 bones. He fought through it, though, and has been on the road to recover ever since. He’s doing so well that, on the near-anniversary of the incident, he paid a visit to the hospital where his life was saved.
“Rollin through Reno, NV with joy, blessings, and [pizza]!!!!” Renner wrote in an Instagram post. “Stopped by to see kids/superheroes, first responders, and doctors, nurses and staff at Renown hospital. Paying my respects and celebrating love, life and the blessings it brings to us all.”
Renner also thanked “this community” for “keeping me here,” saying he is “forever in your debt with gratitude.”
Last New Year’s Day, Renner attempted to move a snow plow that was stuck in the snow. Instead it got loose, rolling over him with the full force of its near seven tons. He was quickly transported to a hospital in nearby Reno, where he documented hi rehabilitation. Nearly a year later, he’s returning to work, ready for a new season of his Taylor Sheridan show Mayor of Kingstown.
Samoa Joe choked out MJF to win the AEW World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of AEW Worlds End at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.
Joe controlled the match early on, beating down the champ and eventually dropping him with a Muscle Buster on the apron. Joe and MJF exchanged arm bar attempts before a ref bump led to the champion hitting Joe with a low blow on the top rope. MJF carried Joe on his shoulders across the ring and laid him out with an F-5.
MJF demanded the Dynamite diamond ring from Adam Cole at ringside when Joe caught him in the Coquina Clutch and the referee called for the bell as he put the champ to sleep.
The loss comes after Wednesday night Dynamite, where MJF dropped the tag titles after his replacement partner, Joe, was unable to make his way to the ring. Instead, the Devil’s Masked Men hit the Heat Seeker to pin him. Joe eventually limped to the ring, but turned on MJF with a chair shot before closing the show and setting up his main event tilt with the champ.
After the bell, Cole hopped in to the ring to console MJF before the Devil’s Masked Men jumped into the ring and attacked the former champion. After the lights went out, Cole revealed himself to be the Devil, with the Kingdom, Wardlow, and Rodrick Strong as his henchmen. They beat down MJF as the new group celebrated in the ring as the show went off the air.
The Detroit Pistons have finally ended the longest losing streak in NBA history. Saturday night in Toronto had been circled by many as their best opportunity to snap the streak, given the Raptors would be on a back-to-back following a game against the Sixers on Friday.
Then, on Saturday afternoon, things shifted even more into the Pistons favor when the Raptors agreed to a blockbuster trade sending OG Anunoby, Malachi Flynn, and Precious Achiuwa to the Knicks for Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett. With the trade happening earlier in the day, Toronto was not going to have any of those players available, meaning they were not only on short rest but also shorthanded.
Even so, the Pistons have found increasingly painful ways to lose, most recently blowing a 21-point lead to the Celtics on Thursday night before losing in overtime, so nothing was assured. However, after some terrific individual performances without the team getting the intended result, Cade Cunningham’s latest big outing finally resulted in a Pistons W. Cunningham scored 30 points to go along with 12 assists and no turnovers in one of his best all-around performances of the season, with the entire Detroit starting lineup reaching double figures around him (and getting 16 from Alec Burks off the bench) as the Pistons were able to put together a complete team effort on offense.
The game was firmly in the balance in the second half, with Toronto pulling to within one on multiple occasions but never prying the lead from the Pistons hands. That was thanks to some timely shotmaking from the likes of Bojan Bogdanovic (19 points) and Cunningham, as they were able to find buckets when needed to keep the Raptors at a distance.
Things got a little dicey late despite Detroit leading by nine with under two minutes to go, as the Raptors simply would not go away, led by a 35-point night from Pascal Siakam and 30 points from Dennis Schroder, but ultimately the Pistons were able to hit their free throws and hang on for a 129-127 win, snapping the losing streak at home and getting their first win since October.
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) December 31, 2023
Along with Cunningham and Bogdanovic having strong scoring nights, Jalen Duren had a big double-double with 18 points and 17 rebounds, Kevin Knox chipped in 17 points, and the Pistons finally got to celebrate a W with their fans. Given how many times they had early leads during the losing streak only to let them slip away, it’ll be interesting to see if getting the proverbial monkey off their back will allow them to add a few more wins instead of ripping off another double-digit losing skid. If nothing else, it ends a two-month long saga of the longest losing streak in NBA history.
When a cocky young man started showing off his muscles for the “Flex Cam” at a Philadelphia Soul arena football game, he got more than he bargained for after showing off his physique to a couple of women sitting behind him.
When the camera made its way back around, he was instantly upstaged by the superior muscles of one of the ladies he had tried to impress.
He had no choice but to sink sadly into his seat while the stronger woman flexed over his head.
PHILADELPHIA SOUL FLEX CAM SURPISE
This article originally appeared on 05.30.19
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