LOS ANGELES : Joan Collins, Tabloid Settle Out of Court

Actress Joan Collins reached a settlement Thursday in her $20-million invasion of privacy suit against a tabloid newspaper and a photographic agency, but the terms were not disclosed.

The former “Dynasty” star had sued Globe International, publishers of the Globe, and SIPA Press, a photo service, after topless photographs of Collins at her home were published in the tabloid.

Collins alleged that a photographer shot pictures with a long-range lens without her knowledge as she undressed in her bedroom and private yard. Tabloid captions said Collins “flaunts her figure for topless romp” and “bares all for new toyboy, 32.”

The settlement was reached as jury selection was set to begin in Los Angeles Superior Court. Speaking for the actress, who was not in court, attorney Neil Papiano said, “She is pleased and satisfied.”

Anthony M. Glassman, lawyer for the Globe, said the tabloid could have successfully defended its actions, but that the agreement “serves everyone’s best interests.”