Flatley denies the woman's allegations

A lawsuit was filed against the Riverdance star on Tuesday in Lake County, Illinois.

The woman - an estate agent from Chicago - said she was raped after she flew to visit Flatley in Las Vegas in October 2002.

Flatley's lawyer, Bert Fields, said the allegations were "absolutely false".

The woman said she met Flatley at an event in Las Vegas in September and that he subsequently asked her to visit him for a day of sightseeing, shopping and gambling.

There is no truth in it whatsoever Michael Flatley's lawyer, Bert Fields

She alleged she was in her private bedroom area in Flatley's suite at the Venetian Resort Hotel-Casino when he raped her.

"There is no truth in it whatsoever," said Mr Fields. "The evidence to that effect is overwhelming."

Mr Fields said the woman had demanded money from the star after threatening to make the claim. He said his client had refused to pay.

According to the Las Vegas Police Department, the woman did report the alleged incident, but declined to press charges.

Spectacle

Flatley is a former member of Riverdance, a troupe which introduced the spectacle of Irish dancing to the international stage.

During the interval show at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, Flatley performed the Riverdance routine, spawning the successful stage tour.

Flatley was already a multi-millionaire by the time he left Riverdance after a concert in London's Hyde Park on 25 July 1998.

He then turned down a �1m offer to box professionally from Irish promoters Team Ireland, and discussed making a film called Dream Dancer.

He also carried on dancing, taking his Lord of the Dance, and later Feet of Flames, tour around the world.

Flatley, whose legs were reportedly insured for �25m by Lloyds of London, was the first American to win the World Irish Dance Championships, going on to win more than 120 titles in 13 countries.

He was presented with the Irish American award in 1998 by former US president Bill Clinton.