Fox NFL Sideline reporter, Erin Andrews, is suing Marriot International and multiple other defendants, claiming they were guilty of negligence and invasion of privacy. Andrews, 37, claims that a stalker named Michael David Barrett filmed her through a peephole while she was staying at a Nashville Marriot in 2008. Andrews is seeking $75 million in damages. For local negligence or ‘invasion of privacy’ cases, contact a Boston injury lawyer.
According to court records, Barrett obtained the video by removing the peephole in Andrews’ room and videotaping her while she was undressing. Barrett then posted the video online which resulted in an FBI investigation after the video went viral. He was sentenced to 30 months in prison for felony stalking. Andrews is also suing the Marriot, claiming that its employees not only told Barret that she was staying at the hotel, but also placed him in the adjacent room.
“A Lot of People Just Looked at it as a Joke”
In an interview with Redbook last year, the NFL reporter and “Dancing with the Stars” co-host talked about how difficult the experience has been for her. “I’m not sure it will ever be entirely over for me,” Andrews said. “What made that experience even more horrible was that a lot of people just looked at it as a joke — like I pursued litigation to become famous. It’s proved to me how strong I am. I couldn’t pretend like it wasn’t a big deal. It was.”
The trial, which is slated to begin in late February, is expected to last no more than 10 days. Andrews filed the lawsuit back in 2011, but was recently asked to name a specific amount for her damages. Some are criticizing the $75 million figure as being absurdly high, however, the 2008 Nashville incident wasn’t the first time Barrett had filmed Andrews in the nude. He was convicted of stalking her at two other hotels and filming her on another occasion. Although Barrett received a 30 month prison sentence for the 2008 incident, he is now free. “You violated me and you violated all women,” said Andrews at the 2011 trial. “You are a sexual predator, a sexual deviant and they should lock you up.”
Altman & Altman, LLP – Serving Massachusetts for Nearly 50 Years
Stalking is a criminal offense in Massachusetts. It is defined as a repeated, intentional harassment or threatening behavior that causes the victim to fear for his or her personal safety. Similarly, the Massachusetts Privacy Act states that an individual “shall have a right against unreasonable, substantial or serious interference with his privacy.” In the above case, both stalking and invasion of privacy violations apply.
If you feel that your privacy has been violated, or that your personal safety is in jeopardy, contact the law team at Altman & Altman, LLP without delay. Our compassionate, highly skilled attorneys will help you figure out how to move forward. We will fight aggressively to protect your rights and your safety. In addition to pursuing criminal litigation against your stalker, you may be entitled to financial compensation. As in the above case, stalking and privacy violations can have a negative impact on your reputation. It may also be detrimental to relationships with friends and family. Do not try to go it alone. If your rights have been violated, we can help. Call Altman & Altman, LLP today.