14 DAY TRIAL // A suit against media mogul Arianna Huffington alleges that she has damaged an apartment to such an extent that her deposit does not even begin to cover restoration expenses.
The suit has been brought to the Manhattan Supreme Court by owner Eric Steel, who is claiming a compensation of $275,000 (€214,000).
Court papers stated that Huffington left the walls "gouged, stained and otherwise damaged," and the floors "scratched, punctured," apart from returning the mattresses with blood stains on them, according to the New York Post.
"Huffington was using the apartment for large parties and business functions in breach of the sublease and Huffington's promises.
"Dishwasher racks, stove knobs and a refrigerator drawer were broken and had to be replaced," the complaint reads.
Other violations of the rental contract include having her daughters stay in the loft, despite signing up to living there on her own.
The documentation also stated that a high-end, hand-crafted dining room table designed by Steel's stepfather, Charles Gwathmey has almost been ruined, and reparation costs went through the roof.
"The Gwathmey designed, custom made dining room table was damaged and scratched and the finish compromised. [...] It had to be crated, hoisted out of the apartment and repaired by the original manufacturer," Steel accuses.
Gawker writes that Huffington has been paying $27,000 (€21,000) a month for the 4,400-square foot (409-square meter) Chelsea loft, and she denies being liable for any damages.
She notes that Steel has yet to return her $93,000 (€72,400) deposit and insists that all his claims are fabrications.
"Every single claim in this suit is false except the square footage and the address. [...] Eric Steel, who happily renewed the lease twice and visited the apartment multiple times, is holding onto $93,000 (€72,400) dollars in deposits, which he has refused to return," she says.