San Francisco  - A 22-year-old US woman has accused magician David Copperfield with sexual assault in a federal lawsuit, the Seattle Times reported Thursday.

The suit alleging sexual assault, harassment and false imprisonment was filed in US District Court in Seattle last month shortly before the statute of limitations on the case was set to expire. Authorities are deciding whether to pursue a criminal case against Copperfield, the paper reported. She is seeking unspecified monetary damages.

The woman claimed that Copperfield attacked her in 2007 while she was a guest at his private island in the Bahamas. She alleged that she was held for three days against her will and forced to engage in sexual acts with the magician.

The alleged victim took the matter to police at the time. Authorities searched the magician's warehouse in Las Vegas and seized computers, cameras and cash, but did not file any charges.

Copperfield issued a statement calling the woman's claims false and an effort to extort money. He said his accuser had a history of lying.

Copperfield, one of the world's richest entertainers, is known for his large-scale illusions such as going through the Great Wall of China and making the Statue of Liberty disappear. (dpa)