FLATLEY WINS £5M FAKE RAPE PAYOUT

By Sarah Bloch, sundaymirror.co.uk 9/12/2007

Michael Flatley (PA/SM)

Michael Flatley has won more than £5million damages from a woman who falsely accused him of rape.

The Lord of the Dance star lodged a Û100million (£49m) lawsuit over the malicious claims made by Tyna Marie Robertson, and was awarded Û11million on Friday after he proved to California's Supreme Court that the accusations were false and part of a scheme to extort millions of dollars from him.

Yesterday the Irish dance sensation said: "I am very pleased with the judgement."

Robertson, an estate agent, alleged Flatley raped her in a Las Vegas hotel in October 2002. Her lawyer threatened to file a sex assault lawsuit unless Flatley agreed to a "seven-figure" settlement.

Flatley refused to pay, insisting sex was with her consent and they had a relaxed and happy breakfast together in the morning. Police could do nothing because she would not press charges against him.

She sued Flatley in a £16million civil action which was was dismissed. He then countered the claims, saying he had been a victim of defamation, extortion and fraud.

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