A Tennessee jury found a hotel liable for $55 million in damages Monday for a nude video of a sportscaster that was posted on the Internet by a stalker.
Sportscaster Erin Andrews had sought $75 million in damages from a Nashville Marriott hotel, its partners and Michael David Barrett, who pleaded guilty to stalking charges in 2009.
Barrett, who requested the hotel room next to Andrews, shot video of her changing through a peephole. The nude video was posted on the Internet and went viral. Barrett was sentenced to 30 months in prison.
Andrews’ attorneys argued the hotel should have informed her of Barrett’s request and should not have placed him in the adjacent room after he requested to be near her.
Andrews testified during the two-week trial, saying she felt “so ashamed” that video of her was available on the Internet.
After the verdict, she posted a message of thanks on Twitter for the “overwhelming” support of family, friends and her fans.
