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Donald Trump
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Ex-Playboy model is allowed to discuss alleged Trump affair, after National Enquirer settles lawsuit

Karen McDougal had previously been publicly silenced by a US$150,000 exclusivity contract with the tabloid – but it had refused to publish her story

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Karen McDougal on January 8, 2011, at the AVN Adult Entertainment Expo in Las Vegas. Photo: TNS
Reuters

Former Playboy model Karen McDougal reached an agreement on Wednesday with tabloid publisher American Media Inc that will allow her to speak freely about an affair she alleges she had with President Donald Trump, the company said in a statement.

McDougal filed suit in California last month seeking to be released from a deal reached in 2016 with AMI, publisher of the National Enquirer, that gave the company exclusive rights to her story in exchange for US$150,000.

“AMI is pleased that we reached an amicable resolution with Ms McDougal today that provides both sides what they wanted as a result,” the company said in a statement.
The building on 4 New York Plaza, where American Media Inc has its headquarters in New York City. Photo: AP
The building on 4 New York Plaza, where American Media Inc has its headquarters in New York City. Photo: AP
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Representatives for McDougal did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Under the deal, AMI said it would have the right to receive up to US$75,000 of any future profits from the sale of her story about the alleged 10-month affair, which she says started in 2006.

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McDougal will also appear on the September 2018 cover of Men’s Journal magazine, which will include a feature-length article about her, the company said.

In an interview with CNN that aired last month, McDougal said she was in love with Trump and the affair started not long after his wife, Melania, gave birth to their son, Barron.

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