Aspiring singer stars in seamy drama

NEW YORK, March 13 (UPI) -- Known to the public as Kristen, the aspiring singer has become an unwitting star of the seamy drama that led to the downfall of New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

The 22-year-old prostitute is described in a federal affidavit as having had a rendezvous with Spitzer on Feb. 13 at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington. She is expected to be a witness in the case against four people charged with operating a prostitution ring called the Emperor's Club V.I.P.

Born Ashley Youmans but now known as Ashley Alexandra Dupre, she spoke softly and with good humor in a series of interviews, The New York Times said Thursday.

She was pictured as the fugitive of a broken home in New Jersey who left at 17 to seek fame and fortune in New York City nightclubs as a rhythm and blues singer.

I just don't want to be thought of as a monster," she told the Times.

She said she had slept very little over the past week because of the stress.

"This has been a very difficult time. It is complicated," she told the Times.

She hasn't been charged for any crime and she wouldn't discuss Spitzer, the Times said.

She also said she was worried about how she would pay her rent since the man she was living with "walked out on me."