Saturday, 8 December 2007

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Michael Flatley wins £5million over false rape claim

Riverdance star awarded settlement

Michael Flatley has been awarded a multi-million payout over a false rape claim.

The Riverdance star was accused of assaulting Tina Marie Robertson in 2002.

She alleged that he raped her in a Las Vegas hotel room but Michael insisted that the sex was consensual and that they'd enjoyed a 'relaxed and happy' breakfast next morning.

Ms Robertson took out a civil action, he took out a counter suit for extortion and defamation.

Now after the real estate agent's claim was dismissed, Michael, 49, has been awarded £5.4 million by the California Supreme Court.

'Ms Robertson tried to extort money from me by spreading these lies,' he tells BBC News.

The Irish-American dancer, who has been seriously ill with a virus, rose to fame after performing at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1994.

He then toured the world with his Riverdance, Lord of the Dance and Celtic Tiger shows.