Fox Sports host Erin Andrews has been awarded $AUD 74 million after winning a trial against the man who secretly filmed her and the hotel she said helped him do it.
Michael David Barrett removed the peepholes into Andrews’ hotel room after management granted the convicted stalker’s request to be roomed beside her.
Barrett then used the holes to secretly record Andrews getting changed before uploading the videos online.
The scandal swept across the American media, where outlets and the public alike speculated as to whether the videos were real or merely a publicity stunt.
Speaking to Deadspin, Andrews — then a young sports journalist — revealed she was forced to go on air to explain her side of the incident.
““[T]hat was the only way I was going to be allowed back [on air],” she said.
Andrews who is now a host of Fox Sports and co-host of the Dancing With The Stars even had her current career success used as evidence against her.
Legal defence for the hotel argued they should not have to pay out damages as the scandal had helped Andrews’ career by furthering her public image.
In tears, Andrews told the court about the humiliation of the events and the personal shame she’s experienced since then.
Top Comments
She was wronged and embarrassed and has suffered as a result. But $74 million? You gotta be $/;:ing me! Even in the most negligent act resulting in a horrible death on airliner the compensation tops out at $13 million, that's for burning to death due to gross negligence. $74 million too high.
Anyone who travels by air knows there is always a risk. What happened to her was a violation of extraordinary standards. I hope this sets a precedent for other women to sue.
She won't get that much. 51% is to be paid by the guy who filmed her - $28 million US. That's not going to happen, he doesn't have the money. The hotel chain will appeal, and their number will likely be reduced. Then by the time lawyers fees and taxes come out of it, she will be left with around $6 million - according to another website I read.