And the Christie Brinkley divorce scandal begins...

19-year-old Diana Bianchi has emerged in as a central figure in the separation of supermodel Christie Brinkley, 52, and her fourth husband, Peter Cook, the Associated Press reports. Bianchi, a former employee of Cook’s alleges that he seduced her with lavish gifts while married to Brinkley.

Bianchi’s attorney, Joseph Tacopina, claimed that she will be a “vital witness” should the couple pursue divorce. Cook reportedly hired Bianchi as an assistant at his architecture firm in May 2005 after meeting her at a local toy store where she worked. Bianchi quit Cook’s firm within a few months because, Tacopina said, she felt uncomfortable.

Tacopina told the AP that Cook “first lured this girl into his web by employing her … and then showering her with gifts.” He described their relationship as consensual, but claimed Cook’s role as employer and his gifts of a car, money and jewelry could possibly constitute sexual harassment.

“Being put in the position that (Cook) put her in, which was to be financially dependent on him … as long as she provided sex — that’s the relationship that the law frowns upon when you’re an employer and an employee.”

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