Michelle McGee was paid $30,000 to tell about her alleged affair with married U.S. television personality Jesse James, sources close to the tattoo model said.

ADVERTISEMENT

James is the chief executive officer of West Coast Choppers and the 5-year husband of freshly minted best actress Oscar winner Sandra Bullock.

Although James has not confirmed he had a sexual relationship with McGee, he issued a public apology Thursday to Bullock and his children for causing them pain and embarrassment.

Sources close to McGee told Technorati the mother of two young children was paid close to $30,000 for details about the alleged 11-month-long relationship she had with James. The story ran as an exclusive this week in In Touch magazine.

The insiders told the Web site McGee knew James was married and had been hoping her association with him would make her a "mainstream celebrity."

Bullock has not commented to the media about the allegations, but People.com said she moved out of the home she shares with James Monday.