Ex-Playboy Model Karen McDougal Sues to Break Free of NDA and Tell Her Story on Alleged Trump Tryst

Ex-Playboy model Karen McDougal is suing to get out of a legal deal silencing her on her alleged affair with President Donald Trump.

Karen McDougal launched the suit Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court against American Media Inc., owner of The National Enquirer, saying A.M.I. shelled out $150,000 to keep her quiet, The New York Times reported.

McDougal says Trump’s personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, played a role in discussions between her and A.M.I. and that she was misled about the legal agreement she signed, according to the outlet. She also claims A.M.I. threatened her with “considerable monetary damages” following her communication with The New Yorker a month ago, saying “any further disclosures would breach Karen’s contract.”

In a statement sent to The Times, McDougal’s lawyer, Peter Stirs, said A.M.I. engaged in “a multifaceted effort to silence Karen McDougal.”

“The lawsuit filed today aims to restore her right to her own voice,” it read. “We intend to invalidate the so-called contract that American Media Inc. imposed on Karen so she can move forward with the private life she deserves.”

Because McDougal argues the contract was confusing, it remains to be seen whether it will withstand a legal challenge. To further complicate matters, McDougal is now the second woman to file a lawsuit to exit her legal agreement regarding her relationship with the president. Adult film star Stormy Daniels also began her legal battle this month. She was previously given a $130,000 payout for her silence on her interactions with Trump.

A.M.I. Chief Executive David Pecker is a friend of Trump’s, and The Enquirer would often ensure no negative stories about Trump were sent to the presses, according to a New Yorker report.

[Image via screengrab]