New York, NY - December 7, 2010 - In a television exclusive, Inside Edition speaks with 21-year-old Alex Welch, the young woman who claims she was punched in the face by Disney star Demi Lovato.

Welch: "Demi walked up to me and punched me - the definition of a sucker punch."

Backup dancer Welch, tells Inside Edition's Jim Moret it happened on a plane when she was touring with Lovato and the Jonas brothers.  Welch says this altercation is what prompted Lovato to abruptly drop out of the tour last month to enter rehab.  

Welch: "It was really fast, she walked away as fast as she could.  I kind of fell back into my seat...My face swelled up; I had to put ice on it."

Welch says that she can understand why Lovato may have been in turmoil.

Welch: "She's in a hard industry, trying to figure out who she is."

Welch tells Inside Edition that she would like an apology from Lovato.

Welch: "I don't want to force her to, but it would be nice.  It would mean a lot."

Welch says she is seeking medical treatment from a plastic surgeon and plans to file a lawsuit against Lovato next week.

A spokesman for Lovato says they hope to resolve this matter as soon as possible.

Photo caption: Welch claims that the bruises on her face were inflicted by Lovato.

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