British tabloids branded Dodi Fayed a two-timer yesterday after an American model said the jetsetting film producer was engaged to her when he was conducting a romance with Princess Diana at sea.
"You're a Dodi rotten cheat," said the Mirror's front-page headline.
The Sun, under the headline "Dodi two timed me with Diana", said Kelly Fisher's story was the "royal sensation to end them all." Even the high-brow Times gave over its front page to Ms Fisher and the dazzling engagement ring she says Dodi gave her.
A spokesman for the Al Fayeds was quoted as saying that Dodi knew Ms Fisher but had never been engaged to her.
Friends of the family went further. One told Reuters on condition of anonymity: "Dodi knows the girl. Dodi gives girls presents. But I'm advised that he was never engaged to her - and he's not engaged to the princess either."
Ms Fisher (31), a blonde with more than a passing resemblance to Princess Diana, catapulted to fame overnight by launching a lawsuit against Dodi for breach of contract.
At a news conference in Los Angeles, Ms Fisher's lawyer claimed the Vogue model was emotionally "left at the altar" when fuzzy photographs were published on Sunday showing Dodi and Princess Diana embracing on board a luxury yacht.
While the princess relaxed at sea Dodi was spending time, by day and by night, on a neighbouring boat with his fiancee Kelly Fisher, said her lawyer, Ms Gloria Allred.
She said Ms Fisher realised her wedding was off only when she saw the intimate Dodi and Diana photos.
On Thursday night, the 41-year-old film producer was reported to have spent the evening engaged in long conversation with Diana as Ms Fisher dropped her bombshell.
It was far from clear what impact Ms Fisher's tale of betrayal would have on the princess, who as usual kicked off the day with a trip to the gym and a brush-off to reporters. Buckingham Palace declined all comment.
The Evening Standard quoted Mr Al Fayed as telling friends that his son and the princess continue to talk marriage and that Dodi wants her to convert to Islam.