The woman who is accused of having an affair with Bruce Springsteen said her husband made the false claim in order to make money.

Ann Kelly said her husband Arthur knew she wasn't romantically involved with the legendary singer but alleged that she did thinking that Springsteen would pay him off to make it "go away".

In divorce papers she filed yesterday, Mrs Kelly, 44, accuses her husband of naming Springsteen so he would get a cash payment that would 'humiliate' and 'harass' his wife, and get him "media attention." I

She added that Arthur, 45, told her "he and his attorney felt there could be 'big money' in this . . . because, true or not, [Springsteen] would want this to 'go away.'"

She said Arthur has admitted to her that his only "proof" of her alleged affair is "the gossip and impressions of some women who attend the same gym" as Ann, which Springsteen also used.

Mr Kelly filed for divorce on March 27, claiming his wife had "committed adultery with one Bruce Springsteen."

The Born In The USA singer, who has been married to Patti Scialfa for 17 years, said he wouldn't respond to "unfounded" rumours.