The $55 Million Verdict That Changed Travel: 5 Shocking Facts From The Andrews V. Marriott Case Summary

The landmark legal battle of *Andrews v. Marriott International* remains one of the most significant cases in modern hospitality law, permanently altering how hotels handle guest privacy and security. As of December 2025, the case is a constant reference point for corporate responsibility and the devastating consequences of negligence, particularly concerning the highly sensitive issue of guest privacy and the prevention of voyeurism and stalking. The case centers on the horrific invasion of privacy experienced by prominent sports broadcaster Erin Andrews, whose ordeal led to a massive jury award and subsequent, confidential settlement that sent shockwaves through the global travel industry.

This article provides a deep dive into the full case summary, the shocking details of the stalker's actions, the legal arguments that led to the staggering $55 million verdict, and the essential, current security protocols that now protect millions of travelers—all direct consequences of Andrews' courageous fight for justice.

Erin Andrews: Biography and Career Profile

Erin Jill Andrews is one of the most recognizable and successful sportscasters and television personalities in the United States. Her career trajectory and resilience, particularly in the wake of the highly publicized invasion of privacy, have made her a powerful figure both in sports media and as an advocate for victims.

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• Full Name: Erin Jill Andrews
• Born: May 4, 1978 (currently 47 years old as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Lewiston, Maine, U.S.
• Education: University of Florida (B.A. in Telecommunication, 2000)
• Spouse: Jarett Stoll (married 2017), former NHL player.
• Key Career Milestones:
  • Early Career (2000-2004): Began as a freelance reporter for Fox Sports Net Florida and later worked for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Turner Sports.
  • ESPN (2004-2012): Rose to prominence as a reporter, covering major events like College Football, Major League Baseball, and the Scripps National Spelling Bee. She was a host on *College GameDay*.
  • Dancing with the Stars (2010 & 2014-2019): Competed on Season 10, finishing third, and later served as a co-host.
  • FOX Sports (2012-Present): Became a lead sideline reporter for the NFL on FOX and a core personality for the network’s major event coverage.
• Advocacy: Following her lawsuit, she became a vocal advocate for victims of stalking and privacy violations, using her platform to push for greater corporate accountability.

The Core Incident: Invasion of Privacy and Hotel Negligence

The case of *Andrews v. Marriott International, Inc. et al.* originated from a series of terrifying events that took place in 2008. The plaintiff, Erin Andrews, was a reporter for ESPN at the time and was staying at the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University.

The Stalker’s Scheme and the Hotel’s Fatal Error

The perpetrator was Michael David Barrett, a former insurance executive with a history of stalking. Barrett had stalked Andrews to three different cities, but the Nashville incident was the most egregious.

Barrett was able to successfully request a hotel room immediately adjacent to Andrews’ room. The lawsuit alleged that hotel employees, including a manager, confirmed Andrews' room number to Barrett and even granted his request to be placed next door. This highly sensitive information was disclosed without any verification of his identity or his relationship to Andrews, a clear breach of basic guest confidentiality protocols.

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Using the adjacent room, Barrett manipulated the peephole on Andrews’ door, recorded her nude, and subsequently uploaded the video to the internet, where it went viral. The emotional distress and public humiliation Andrews suffered formed the central basis of her lawsuit.

The Legal Battle: Marriott vs. West End Hotel Partners

Andrews filed suit against Michael David Barrett, the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University, and its owner/operator, West End Hotel Partners. A crucial complexity in the case was the distinction between the franchisor (Marriott International) and the franchisee (West End Hotel Partners, which operated the specific hotel).

Marriott International argued that they were not responsible for the day-to-day security and staff actions of the independently operated hotel and were, in fact, dismissed by the judge before the trial concluded. However, the jury ultimately focused its attention on the negligence of the operating company and the stalker.

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5 Shocking Facts About the $55 Million Verdict and Final Resolution

The Tennessee jury’s decision in March 2016 was a watershed moment, not just for the massive sum awarded, but for the clarity of its message regarding corporate accountability and guest safety.

1. The Staggering $55 Million Verdict

The jury found the defendants—Michael David Barrett and the hotel owner/operator West End Hotel Partners—negligent and responsible for the emotional distress and damages suffered by Andrews. The total award was $55 million.

2. The Apportionment of Fault

The jury meticulously apportioned the blame: Michael David Barrett was found to be 51% at fault for his criminal actions, while the hotel owner/operator, West End Hotel Partners, was found to be 49% at fault for their negligence in disclosing her room number and accommodating the stalker. This split meant the hotel was liable for nearly half of the massive judgment.

3. The Role of Hotel Staff Negligence

The verdict hinged on the finding that the hotel staff’s actions directly enabled the crime. Expert witnesses testified about the clear violation of security obligations and the failure to adhere to basic guest privacy protocols. The hotel’s negligence was deemed a direct contributing factor to the invasion of privacy.

4. The Confidential Settlement Post-Verdict

Despite the $55 million jury award, the case did not proceed through a lengthy appeal process. Shortly after the verdict, Erin Andrews reached a confidential settlement with the defendants, including the Nashville Marriott at Vanderbilt University and West End Hotel Partners. While the exact financial terms of the settlement were never disclosed, the agreement brought the high-profile legal battle to a close and prevented any further public testimony or appeals.

5. The Verdict’s Immediate Effect on Hotel Insurance

The sheer size of the $55 million award had an immediate and chilling effect on the hospitality insurance market. Legal analysts noted that the verdict triggered a re-evaluation of coverage for negligence and negligent infliction of emotional distress claims, forcing insurance companies to consider the true cost of corporate liability in privacy cases.

The Enduring Legacy: How Andrews v. Marriott Changed Hotel Security Forever

The *Andrews v. Marriott* case is hailed as a landmark decision that fundamentally changed the legal landscape for guest privacy and corporate accountability. The legacy of the case, even years later, is visible in the improved security measures adopted by major hotel chains globally.

Mandatory Guest Privacy Protocols

The most immediate and critical change implemented across the industry was the tightening of protocols regarding guest information. Following the verdict, major chains instituted mandatory training to ensure that hotel staff:

• Never Disclose Room Numbers: Staff are strictly prohibited from verbally confirming a guest’s room number to anyone, including callers or in-person inquiries, unless the guest is physically present and verifies their identity.
• No Adjacent Room Assignments: A key lesson was the danger of placing an unknown individual in an adjacent room to a known celebrity or high-profile guest. Policies now dictate greater scrutiny and often require a manager’s approval for such assignments.
• Strict Key Card Procedures: Protocols were reinforced to prevent the issuance of duplicate key cards without proper photo identification and verification.

Enhanced Physical Security Measures

The case also spurred a focus on the physical security of the hotel room itself, an essential component of mitigating the risk of voyeurism and invasion of privacy.

Many modern hotels now feature:

• Peephole Covers: The vulnerability of the peephole, which was exploited by Michael Barrett, led to the widespread adoption of peephole covers or "view limiters" in many major hotel brands to prevent tampering or reverse viewing.
• Reinforced Door Locks: The emphasis shifted to ensuring robust, modern locking systems and deadbolts that are regularly maintained.
• Increased Staff Training: Comprehensive, regular training programs now cover topics like guest confidentiality, recognizing suspicious behavior, and the legal implications of negligence in hospitality law.

The *Andrews v. Marriott* case serves as a permanent, powerful reminder that a hotel's responsibility extends beyond comfortable accommodations; it includes a profound duty of care to protect the safety, security, and privacy of every guest. Erin Andrews’ fight for justice not only held a corporation accountable for its negligence but also established a new, higher standard for privacy protection that benefits every traveler today.