Former Playboy model Karen McDougal wins right to tell story of alleged Trump affair

Ex playmate says she began affair with the US president shortly after birth of his son Barron

The White House has said that Mr Trump denies having an affair with Ms McDougal (CNN )

A former Playboy model has reached an agreement with a tabloid publisher that will allow her to speak freely about her alleged 10 month affair with Donald Trump.

Karen McDougal filed a suit in California last month seeking to be released from a so-called “catch and kill” deal made in 2016 with American Media Inc – which publishes the National Enquirer and a number of other titles.

It bestowed the company with exclusive rights to her story in exchange for $150,000 (£106,000).

Ms McDougal claims she had an affair with the US president starting shortly after the birth of his son Barron in March 2006.

The ex-playmate said she was in love with Mr Trump at the time and has claimed the US president reciprocated her feelings.

She also apologised to first lady Melania Trump about the relationship. Mr Trump has denied that the pair had an affair.

“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.

Under the terms of the settlement, Ms McDougal can keep the $150,000 she originally received and now possesses full rights to her own story.

However, the tabloid company is entitled to 10 per cent of any profit Ms McDougal makes from reselling the rights to her story about the alleged affair within the next year - up to a maximum of $75,000 (£53,000).

AMI has said Ms McDougal was allowed to discuss her relationship with Mr Trump in response to "legitimate press inquiries."

Ms McDougal had argued in her lawsuit the agreement was an illegal corporate donation from AMI to the Trump campaign that infringed federal election law.

David Pecker, the Chairman and CEO of American Media, has previously referred to Mr Trump as a "personal friend."

Ms McDougal had a largely private social life but the revelation of an alleged affair with Mr Trump thrust her into the headlines ahead of and after the 2016 presidential election.

Mr Trump still faces another lawsuit from adult actor Stormy Daniels who claims she had a one-night stand with the world leader in 2006.

Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, has sued Mr Trump and his lawyer Michael Cohen to be released from a 2016 agreement not to publicly discuss the alleged sexual encounter in exchange for $130,000 (£92,000).

The White House has denied that affair took place.