The owner of the National Enquirer admitted Friday that supermarket tabloid paid $150,000 to a former Playboy playmate who claimed to have had an affair with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in 2006 but never published a story based on her claims.

In a statement, the tabloid said that it did not make the payment to 1998 “playmate of the year” Karen McDougal to keep her quiet but instead to purchase fitness columns from her. It conceded that the contract included the exclusive rights to any personal stories regarding any relationships she has had with married men.