JoJo Siwa will replace Nigel Lythgoe on the 'So You Think You Can Dance' Judges Panel

JoJo Siwa returns to his jury So you think you can danceFox announced on Friday (January 26).

The dancer and internet star will join previously announced judges Allison Holker and Maksim Chmerkovskiy on the upcoming 18th season, which airs March 4 at 9 p.m. ET on Fox, before streaming the next day on Hulu.

Siwa replaces Nigel Lythroe, who left the show earlier this month amid a lawsuit by Paula Abdul who accuses him of sexual assault. “I have informed the producers of 'So You Think You Can Dance' of my decision to withdraw from this year's series,” Lythgoe, who also executive produces the show, said in a statement to the publication. “I did it with a heavy heart but completely voluntarily because this wonderful program has always been about dance and dancers, and that's where its focus should remain. In the meantime, I am devoting myself to clearing my name and restoring my reputation.”

Lythgoe's departure comes amid a lawsuit by Paula Abdul, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Friday (December 29) and received by Advertising signarguing that the former American Idol and So you think you can dance producer sexually assaulted her on two occasions. The first instance reportedly occurred during one of his first seasons American Idol and the second was in 2014 when he was in talks to judge So you think you can dance.

Abdul alleges in the suit that Lythgoe first sexually assaulted her in a hotel elevator where they were both staying while traveling to one of Idol“early times.” It does not mention a specific year in which the alleged incident occurred.

Abdul's complaint alleges that Lythgoe sexually assaulted Abdul again in 2014 when she was approached for a judge position on So you think you can dance. The alleged incident took place during dinner at his home, where the two were supposed to discuss her career opportunities, according to the lawsuit. See here all the details of her treatment.

Lythgoe denied the allegations, saying in a statement that he was “shocked and saddened” to hear the claims by Abdul, whom he said he considered a “dear” and “totally platonic” friend. The Associated Press References.