Copperfield sued for 'sexual assault'

David Copperfield has been sued by a woman who claims that she was sexually assaulted and threatened by him two years ago, reports The Seattle Times.

The alleged victim, a 22-year-old model, claimed that she met the magician in January 2007 and was later invited to his Bahamian island, where she was sexually assaulted.

However, attorneys for Copperfield have released a statement branding the allegations false and accusing the woman of "extortion for money, plain and simple".

The statement added: "This woman has a history of lying... Her pattern of lying continues in this lawsuit... Unfortunately, false claims like this only hurt the women who really have been abused, women who really need our help."

No criminal charges have been brought.

The lawsuit was reportedly filed on July 29 at a Seattle court, the deadline for a two-year statute of limitations.