|
LOS ANGELES - A JUDGE has ordered a woman who accused Michael Flatley of sexual assault to pay the 'Riverdance' star more than US$11 million (S$16 million) after finding she made false allegations to extort money from him, according to documents obtained on Monday.
The judgment order, signed by Superior Court Judge Michael L. Stern, stated that Tyna Marie Robertson, a real estate agent, had defamed and intentionally inflicted emotional distress upon Flatley, 49, who also appeared in 'Lord of the Dance,' 'Feet of Flames' and 'Celtic Tiger.'
Robertson had alleged Flatley raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in 2002 and threatened to file a sexual assault lawsuit unless he agreed to pay a 'seven figures' settlement, according to court papers.
Police declined to press criminal charges and Flatley said the sex was consensual.
Robertson then filed a US$33 million civil sexual assault lawsuit in Illinois, but it later was dismissed.
Flatley countered with a lawsuit against Robertson and her lawyer D. Dean Mauro claiming extortion, intentional infliction of emotional distress and defamation.
The California Supreme Court held in July 2006 that Mauro had committed extortion and he settled the case by making 'a substantial payment' to Flatley, according to a statement from the dancer's lawyer, Ricardo P. Cestero.
The judgment order against Roberston formalised a ruling made by Stern during a hearing earlier this month.
Flatley plans to donate any recovery on the settlement to charity, Cestero said.
Robertson is the ex-girlfriend of Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, and the two have battled in court themselves over their young son, Kennedy. -- AP
| 
