Erin Andrews in court
ESPN sportscaster and "Dancing With The
Stars" television host, Erin Andrews, was victorious in
court this week, with a jury awarding her $55,000,000 in
damages against the Marriott chain of hotels (and her
stalker), for allowing her deranged voyeuristic stalker,
Michael David Barrett, to obtain her hotel room information
and booking him a suite next to her, enabling him to
secretly record her naked, then upload it to the internet
like a depraved pervert and sexual predator. As the damages
are split 51/49, Marriott Hotels is liable for $27,000,000
in damages. Barrett, who is not wealthy, is liable for the
remaining damages. As such his wages will be garnished, as
will any existing bank account in his name, likely for the
rest of his life, in attempts to financially repay his
victim. Barrett was also sentenced to 5-years in prison in a
separate criminal case.
Erin Andrews
Andrews sued for $75,000,000, but the jury awarded her
$20,000,000 less than requested. Previously, the Judiciary
Report alluded to the fact the damages requested would be
considered high for the crime in question, as usually cases
that resulted in death for the victim (filed by heirs) or
extreme medical misconduct, are awarded such high damages (Erin Andrews Seeks $75,000,000 In Hotel Voyeurism Case).
The Judiciary Report's figure of $20,000,000 in damages is
in line with what Andrews is likely due to receive,
regarding the $27,000,000 verdict. The $27,000,000 damage
award could be reduced on appeal, but hopefully the verdict
regarding said figure will stand.
Nonetheless, it is a sizeable sum of money for such a case.
Michael Barrett
Andrews deserves the money. What was done to her is cruel
and inhumane. It was meant to degrade and humiliate.
Regrettably, the Marriott's negligence facilitated the sick
conduct of a sexual predator. Under the law, they are liable
for the severe mental and emotional trauma Andrews
sustained. Hotels are not supposed to release the
information of their guests to unauthorized parties. It is
an invasion of privacy and security risk. What if Barrett
had been a killer.
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