At a meeting between Seacrest's and the woman's lawyer - with the star on the phone - the former stylist's legal representative read out a press release he pledged to send to the media if the cash was not paid, it was reported

The woman who accused American Idol host Ryan Seacrest of inappropriate sexual behavior initially demanded he pay her $15million to stop her going to the press, it has been claimed.

According to a report, a lawyer for the woman - who worked as Seacrest's stylist between 2007 and 2010 - was told the request would not be met.

The lawyer is then said to have come back with a demand for seven figures in return for not going public.

At a meeting between Seacrest's and the woman's lawyer - with the star on the phone - the former stylist's legal representative read out a press release he pledged to send to the media if the cash was not paid, TMZ reports.

Seacrest has categorically denied the claims.

His accuser's lawyer told TMZ his client 'wanted an apology from Ryan and validation of what had happened and what she got was a complete rejection of the allegations and a request that she not go forward with an interview with NBC investigators' - but denied the $15 million claim.

Ryan Seacrest has denied misconduct allegations brought against him by a former stylist

Given that the statue of limitations had expired on her claims, it is thought the only options for the woman were either an apology or a cash settlement based on the star not wanting to be embarrassed in the media.

Seacrest denied the misconduct allegations when the news broke this weekend.

Cable channel E! announced it is conducting an internal investigation after the wardrobe stylist complained that the TV host had behaved 'inappropriately toward her' around a decade ago.

Seacrest, who did not reveal the specifics of the allegations, has spoken out to publicly deny the claims after the stylist reportedly asked him to pay for her silence, a source told the Hollywood Reporter.

The host of Live With Kelly and Ryan and On Air With Ryan Seacrest, was previously said to have declined her 'substantial financial ask' via his lawyers.

He has apologized to the stylist if he 'made her feel anything but respected' but refuted allegations he's been inappropriate, calling the claims 'reckless'.

Seacrest, whose girlfriend is Shayna Taylor (pictured together) has spoken out to publicly deny the claims after the stylist reportedly asked him to pay for her silence

The 42-year-old American Idol host, who is one of Hollywood's top-paid TV entertainers, insisted he'd always been an advocate for women and was 'proud' of his workplace reputation.

In a public statement, released to USA Today, he said: 'Recently, someone that worked as a wardrobe stylist for me nearly a decade ago at E! News, came forward with a complaint suggesting I behaved inappropriately toward her.

'If I made her feel anything but respected, I am truly sorry. I dispute these reckless allegations and I plan to cooperate with any corporate inquiries that may result. I treat all my colleagues with kindness, dignity, and understanding, as this is a principle that's core to who I am.'

Seacrest, whose girlfriend is Shayna Taylor, continued: 'Throughout my 25 years in the entertainment industry, the majority of my co-workers have been women, and I've endeavored to foster a positive work environment of mutual respect and courtesy, as that's how I believe it should be.

The 42-year-old American Idol host, who is one of Hollywood's top-paid TV entertainers, insisted he'd always been an advocate for women and was 'proud' of his workplace reputation

'I'm distraught that anyone or any situation would call that into question. I'm proud of my workplace reputation, and believe my track record will speak for itself. I'm an advocate for women. I will continue to support their voices.'

E! is now holding an internal investigation.

The allegations have emerged amid a wave of sexual harassment allegations that have rocked Hollywood.

The doors opened after a bombshell expose in The New York Times on October 5 reported sexual assault claims against Harvey Weinstein, and the scandal has grown to expose claims against Kevin Spacey, James Toback and Louis C.K.