MIAMI (Reuters) - The call girl linked to the sex scandal that prompted the resignation of then-New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer in March has dropped a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis.


A statement from an attorney for Ashley Alexandra Dupre said the complaint, filed in April in federal court in Miami and alleging illegal use of Dupre's name and image, was withdrawn on Thursday.

"Ms. Dupre wants to eliminate all negativity from her life and focus on the positive. She has prospects for many exciting new projects and is looking forward to starting a new chapter," the statement said.

In the lawsuit, Dupre contended she was 17 and not old enough to sign a legally binding contract when she appeared partially nude in video footage filmed in 2003 by members of Francis' Mantra Films production company in Miami Beach.

On spring break vacation at the time, she was drunk when told to sign a video release form, according to the complaint, which sought damages in excess of $10 million.

Francis had denied the allegations.

Dupre was identified in media reports in March as the woman named "Kristen" linked to "Client 9," the frequent client of an upscale prostitution ring.

U.S. media, citing unnamed law enforcement sources, have said Spitzer was the anonymous "Client 9."

Reuters/Nielsen
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