Nigel Lythgoe couldn’t have picked a better time to leave American Idol.

Over the past week, Paula Abdul has taken several opportunities to criticize her bosses over the Paula Goodspeed incident. In interviews with Barbara Walters and Good Morning America, the reality show judge said those involved with the Season 5 auditions were fully aware of her frightened state. She also claimed that the fan was intentionally let in because the producers find it amusing to cause her stress.

After listening to the stinging accusations, Lythgoe felt it was time to finally speak up. The former Idol producer, who is currently working on NBC’s show, Superstars of Dance, addressed the controversy at a press event yesterday. “You do not take somebody in that room that you believe is a danger to herself or a danger to Paula. That would not enter our heads.”

Although he claims he’s “not angry” with Abdul, Nigel doesn’t recall ever talking to her about blocking any participant. “I don’t remember Paula Abdul ever saying, ‘Don’t bring this one or that one in.’ But she says she did - I believe her.” He went on to say that matter shouldn’t be rehashed. “I don’t know what goes through someone’s head when they choose to commit suicide, but I believe this poor girl was going through a very sad period in her life. Now it should be left for the family to grieve.”

Not so coincidentally, Paula’s press tour comes at the same time as her contract negotiations. While most would probably advise the 46-year-old to lay low, at least one person thinks the tragic situation could actually play in Abdul’s favor. “With all the heat that has been put on the show and producers for what they did, believe it or not, the ball might be in Paula’s court,” a source told People magazine. “She started talking to FOX about her contract a few weeks ago and they’re in the middle of negotiating right now. She’s now planning on going back [after this eighth season]. Expect an announcement fairly soon once they hammer everything out.”