Disney Channel star Demi Lovato reaches settlement over punch case

Disney Channel star Demi Lovato reaches settlement over punch case

2010-12-24 15:56:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

LOS ANGELES (BNO NEWS) -- Disney Channel teenage star Demi Lovato on Thursday reached a financial settlement with the back-up dancer she punched in October, TMZ.com reported.

Lovato, 18, punched back-up dancer Alex Welch in her face last October while they were on a private jet. The amount of the financial settlement was not disclosed but it is believed to be a six-figure sum.

"The parties are satisfied and the dispute has been resolved amicably and completely," Welch's attorney, Donald Karpel, told TMZ.

The two sides engaged in negotiations to settle the dispute out of court after Karpel threatened to take legal action against Lovato as Welch sustained a black eye and a bruised cheek after the incident. The dancer also alleged emotional distress stemming from the altercation.

Lovato, the Sonny with a Chance star, was reportedly feeling awful after the incident due to her behavior. She checked herself into a treatment center in Chicago, briefly leaving her work.

The Disney star acknowledged her personality problems but media have speculated that she was admitted to the center to undergo drug or alcohol rehabilitation. However, a spokesman for the star clarified that she has battled emotional and physical issues throughout her life.

The Chicago treatment center where Lovato went specializes in adolescents and adult women who have different issues such as eating disorders, personality issues, substance abuse and mood disorders. Lovato took this step to get her life in order, according to People Magazine.

Welch, also known as "Shorty," is a back-up dancer on the Jonas Brothers Live in Concert Tour. She was also a member of the dancing group "Beat Freaks," which finished second in season 3 of "America's Best Dance Crew."

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