Dallas star Larry Hagman joins one of Berlusconi's 'bunga bunga' girls at the Vienna Opera Ball

By Emily Sheridan
Updated: 20:28 EDT, 3 March 2011

Every year, Austrian tycoon Richard Lugner pays a glamorous female to be his date at the Vienna Opera Ball.

But this year he caused a scandal amongst Austria's high society when he invited one of Silvio Berlusconi's infamous 'bunga bunga' girls.

Lugner's other celebrity guest Larry Hagman, 79, posed up alongside Moroccan-born belly dancer Karima El-Mahroug, aka 'Ruby The Heart Stealer' - potentially unaware of the scandal surrounding the teenager.

Scandalous guest: Dalles actor Larry Hagman and belly dancer Karima el-Mahroug pose as they make their way to the Vienna Opera Ball

Looking glamorous in a gold gown, the 18-year-old was paid €40,000 (£34,000) to attend last night's festivities by Mr Lugner.

Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi is to stand trial next month on a charge of sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of power after he allegedly sought her release from police custody on a theft charge in May 2010.

The now-18-year-old was introduced to Berlusconi when she was 17 by one of the prime minister's closest friends, veteran television host Emilio Fede.

Be my guest: Austrian businessman Richard Lugner paid El Mahroug £34,000 to be his date - shocking Austrian society in the process

Motley crue: Hagman, El-Mahroug joined Lugner and his girlfriend Anastasia 'Katzi' Sokol and Israeli actor Zachi Noy

The prime minister is alleged to have asked her to a private dinner at Arcore, last year and prosecutors claim that he met Ruby on 15 occasions while the pair allegedly exchanged 67 telephone calls and text messages.

It has since been claimed that she took part in naked bunga bunga parties with an endless string of other young attractive women and prostitutes.

She denies ever having sexual relations with Mr Berlusconi but said he gave her several gifts and €7,000 in cash because 'he felt sorry for her'. Mr Berlusconi has always insisted he has never paid for sex.

Controversial: El-Mahroug said she 'can only belly-dance, I can't waltz' but was willing to try

Not exactly a Waltz: El-Mahroug and Lugner brought some fun to the formal proceedings as they did some rock 'n' roll dancing

Speaking before the ball, El-Mahroug said: 'I hope that people will be able to react to me as they find me and not as 'scandal' Ruby.

'I can only belly-dance, I can't waltz but I will try and dance with the others - you can learn a lot that way.'

Lugner's controversial date has caused a huge scandal within Austrian society, with Opera Ball organiser Desiree Treichl-Stuergkh threatening to cancel his annual ticket to the event.

Furore: Lagner's date has guaranteed him plenty of coverage in Austrian newspapers

She fumed: 'This is the biggest embarrassment that Mr. Lugner has ever made. It's sad, humiliating and disrespectful.'

Lugner's guest was a last minute invitee after 10 actress Bo Derek pulled out.

The veteran businessman, 78, claimed he had to cancel his contract with the 54-year-old after she upped her price by $25,000.

Another famous Opera Ball attendee Bob Geldof admitted he would probably not be dancing with the scandalous young lady.

Preparing to waltz: Bob Geldof said he would be waltzing, but doubted he would get the chance to dance with 'Ruby'

Friends in high places: Lugner's girlfriend Sokol guides Hagman into the ball, which was also attended by Austrian President Heinz Fischer (right) and his wife Margit

He said: 'As I am in Vienna, I should waltz - it is like going up the Eiffel Tower when you are in Paris.

'Her dance card will definitely already be very full this evening.'

Every year since 1992, millionaire Lugner has paid a female celebrity to be his escort to the prestigious ball, the highlight of Austria's social calendar.

Previous escorts included Katie Price (2010), Nicollette Sheridan (2009), Dita Von Teese (2008), Paris Hilton (2007), Raquel Welch (1998) and Sophia Loren (1995).

Dancing queens: The glamorous debutantes make a grand entrance

Event of the year: The cream of Austria's society attended the ball at the State Opera House

High society: The event is the highlight of the Austrian social calendar