Karen McDougal Free to Tell Trump Story After Settlement

Karen McDougal Free to Tell Trump Story After Settlement

MIAMI — Karen McDougal, the former Playboy model who claims she had an affair with President Trump in 2006, has settled her lawsuit with the tabloid news company she said paid her off to keep her mouth shut.

McDougal said the settlement with the National Enquirer's parent company "restores to me the rights to my life story."

In August 2016, American Media Inc. paid McDougal $150,000 for the rights to her story about the alleged relationship; however, the story never ran online or in print.

The suit alleged Trump's longtime personal attorney, Michael Cohen, was secretly involved in her discussions with American Media.

Under the deal made today, McDougal can keep the $150,000 she was paid.

American Media has rights to up to $75,000 for any future profits from her story about the alleged relationship.

Trump has denied having an affair with her.

McDougal told USA Today that her mission in filing the legal claim was to restore her rights and "not to achieve any financial gain."

"I am relieved to be able to tell the truth about my story when asked, and I look forward to being able to return my private life and focus on what matters to me," she told USA Today.

With the settlement, McDougal will appear on the September cover of Men's Journal and be featured in an article in that issue.

Men's Journal additionally will publish five health and fitness columns by McDougal.

Pictured: Karen McDougal in 2007 at the Playboy Mansion

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Centrobill Names Len Garcia as Chief Sales Officer

Centrobill has named Len Garcia as its new chief sales officer.

Octavia Red, Cherry Kiss & Seth Gamble Star in 'Devil in Her' From Elegant Angel

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Octavia Red stars with Cherry Kiss and Seth Gamble in Elegant Angel’s crime thriller "Devil in Her."

Mistrezz.AI Joins ASACP as Corporate Sponsor

The UK-based adult AI companion platform Mistrezz.AI has signed on as the latest corporate sponsor for Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP).

Woodhull Freedom Foundation Debunks Pornography Myths in Latest Edition of 'Fact Checked' Series

Woodhull Freedom Foundation is hosting the latest edition of its virtual series “Fact Checked by Woodhull,” addressing myths about pornography.

Scott Nails on Building a Lasting Career With Blue-Collar Grit

When you hear the name Scott Nails, certain images probably come to mind. On this sweltering summer afternoon, however, the only nailing in sight is happening beneath the swing of a hammer.

Utah VPN Enforcement Pause Extended in Aylo Lawsuit

Provisions of a Utah law making adult websites liable if minors in the state circumvent geolocation efforts to bypass age verification, which were set to come into force in May, have again been put on hold temporarily.

Anti-Censorship Bill Could Shield US Sites From Foreign AV Laws

A Republican congressman has introduced legislation to bar U.S. courts from helping to enforce any foreign law restricting speech that would domestically be protected under the First Amendment, potentially including foreign age verification laws.

X3 Expo 2027 All-Stars Unveiled, Dates Set for Jan. 8-9

X3 Expo will make its L.A. LIVE debut at the JW Marriott on Jan. 8-9, bringing together fans and industry insiders for North America’s largest assembly of stars, alongside a dazzling lineup of attractions spotlighting the cutting edge of modern media and pleasure tech.

Courtney Tillia, Girthmasterr Star in Latest From Brazzers

Courtney Tillia stars with Brazzers exclusive Girthmasterr and Kaiia Eve in the studio's latest release, "Yoga, Massage, Sex...In That Order!"

Adriana Chechik Returns to Dorcel for 'Dirty Game'

Adriana Chechik headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Dirty Game.”

Show More