Deal or No Deal?
If I'm Cousin Jackie or Brian Taylor or whomever, I'm taking the "Hard Copy" interview for $2000 rather than waiting on any promised money from a civil case.
It would be a good question to put to the editor or ombudsman (if they have one). "Was the accuser and/or her boyfriend compensated for the interview? If so, how much?"
But you are Pulius22. You probably go to work every day and pay your taxes and don't aspire to own your own label or a 10,000 foot square mansion.
IF someone approached you - someone that you respected, was respected in your community, dressed nice, someone you believed was far smarter than you'll ever be - if that person misled you into thinking you may be charged or that he alone could protect you from authorities - maybe things would be different. I don't think it's a stretch to say most of these people don't understand the law or have $5,000 to retain a lawyer in case they do get charged.
Just a thought