Stay granted in Copperfield sex lawsuit

SEATTLE, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- A U.S. District judge has granted David Copperfield's request for a six-month stay in the civil lawsuit filed by a woman who claims the magician raped her.

The Seattle Times reported Tuesday's legal decision and said a status hearing on the case was set for March.

An unidentified former Miss Washington USA contestant is suing Copperfield for unspecified damages, alleging the illusionist raped her on his private island in the Bahamas in 2007.

The Times said Copperfield petitioned the judge overseeing the lawsuit to issue a stay so the U.S. Attorney's Office in Seattle could wrap up its criminal investigation into the matter. Prosecutors told the newspaper the investigation is nearly done.

The entertainer has denied any wrongdoing.