The latest on the fast-developing Herman Cain sexual harassment scandal:

First, you knew this was coming, didn’t you? NBC confirms one Cain accuser received cash settlement.

NBC News has confirmed that one woman received a settlement from the National Restaurant Association after complaining about inappropriate sexual conduct by Herman Cain.

NBC News is not disclosing the name of the woman nor characterizing who she is.

Cain denied the allegations, saying on FOX this morning he was “falsely accused.” “I have never sexually harassed anyone, anyone,” he said, “and absolutely, these are false accusations.”

Followed closely by the right’s attempt to get out in front of the story as soon as possible; Byron York at the Washington Examiner: Cain details gesture that led to sex accusation.

Van Susteren asked what Cain did that led to the accusation.  There were reportedly more than one accusations in the complaint, but Cain said he recalled just one incident.  “She was in my office one day, and I made a gesture saying — and I was standing close to her — and I made a gesture saying you are the same height as my wife.  And I brought my hand up to my chin saying, ‘My wife comes up to my chin.’”  At that point, Cain gestured with his flattened palm near his chin.  “And that was put in there [the complaint] as something that made her uncomfortable,” Cain said, “something that was in the sexual harassment charge.”

Van Susteren asked whether the woman complained at the time.  “I can’t recall any comment that she made, positive or negative.”

Cain also offered new information about the settlement of the case.  Politico, which broke the sexual harassment allegation story, said that the woman received a money settlement “in the five-figure range.”  When van Susteren asked about that, Cain said, “My general counsel said this started out where she and her lawyer were demanding a huge financial settlement…I don’t remember a number…But then he said because there was no basis for this, we ended up settling for what would have been a termination settlement.”  When van Susteren asked how much money was involved, Cain said.  “Maybe three months’ salary.  I don’t remember.  It might have been two months.  I do remember my general counsel saying we didn’t pay all of the money they demanded.”

Cain’s story is already changing in a major way; earlier this morning, he told Fox News he had no knowledge of any settlements:

Cain claimed he had no knowledge of any settlements. “If the restaurant association did a settlement, I was not even aware of it,” he said. “And I hope it wasn’t for much, because I was not even aware of it.”

This morning Cain got all huffy and defensive and denied knowing anything at all, even verbally attacking reporters who asked about it.

This afternoon he goes on Fox News and provides a detailed account of discussions with his attorney about keeping the cost of the settlement down.

Captain Obvious says this looks really bad.