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Stormy Daniels arrested in Ohio strip club

The lawyer for Stormy Daniels, who claims she had an affair with President Donald Trump in 2006, says the US adult film star’s arrest in a strip club overnight was a “set up”.

Ms Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, was arrested in a Columbus, Ohio, club on Thursday for allowing a customer to touch her in a non-sexual manner while on stage, lawyer Michael Avenatti said on Twitter.

The charges were dropped just hours later on Friday morning (AEST).

Under Ohio law, an employee who regularly appears nude or seminude at a sexually oriented business is prohibited from touching patrons, except for family members.

Because Ms Daniels does not regularly appear at the club, the charges were dismissed, according to court documents.

“I’ve determined that these crimes were not committed, based on the fact that Ms. Clifford has not made regular appearances at this establishment as required under the law,” Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said in a statement after reviewing the case.

Ms Daniels, 39, had planned to plead not guilty to the three misdemeanour charges, her attorney, Michael Avenatti, tweeted.

Mr Avenatti said his client was arrested during a sting operation.

“This was a setup and politically motivated. It reeks of desperation. We will fight all bogus charges,” Mr Avenatti said.

Stormy Daniels and attorney Michael Avenatti will fight the charge. Photo: Getty

Ms Daniels was scheduled to perform at Sirens Gentlemen’s Club on Wednesday and Thursday local time, according to its website.

Mr Avenatti said Ms Daniels was performing the same act on Wednesday “she has performed across the nation at nearly 100 strip clubs”.

He said had said Ms Daniels would “vehemently contest all charges”.

Adult film star Stormy Daniels claims she had sex with Donald Trump. Photo: Getty

Ms Daniels has said she had sex with Mr Trump in 2006 and Mr Trump’s personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid her $US130,000 ($A176,000) to keep the encounter secret shortly before the presidential election.

Mr Cohen has said he made the payment.

In May, Mr Trump said Ms Daniels was paid to stop “false and extortionist accusations” she made about a sexual encounter with him.

Mr Trump forcefully denied the affair.

Ms Daniels has filed two lawsuits against Mr Trump, one to get out of a non-disclosure agreement she signed in October 2016 ahead of the November presidential election in exchange for the $US130,000. The other is for defamation.

-With AAP

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