Tribune News Services
Walking into a courtroom Tuesday to face the man who posted naked videos of her online left Erin Andrews momentarily shaken, the ESPN sideline reporter admitted later.
But by the time she started to tell a federal judge about the
devastation and humiliation that Illinois insurance executive Michael
David Barrett caused her, the veteran sideline reporter was determined
and composed.
She called him a sexual predator, occasionally looking over to
steal a glance at the suit-clad man who she said has shaken her
confidence and hurt her career.
"I don't know him," she said. "I haven't met him. I hope he never sees the light of day."
Her remarks were made before Barrett pleaded guilty to one felony
count of interstate stalking. Before he could admit his crime, both
Barrett and Andrews listened as U.S. District Judge Manuel Real read details of the crime in painstaking detail.
For 10 minutes, Barrett stood, hearing how he pursued Andrews, taped her, posted the videos online and then tried to sell them.
Andrews at times appeared to clench her jaw. She occasionally looked down, shook her head and dabbed tears from her eyes after the 48-year-old admitted the allegations.
She vowed to return on Feb. 22 when Barrett is sentenced and speak against a proposed sentence that would send him to federal prison for 27 months. Real could sentence Barrett to up to five years in prison, fine him $250,000 and order him to pay restitution to Andrews.
None of it will fix what Barrett did, Andrews said after the hearing. The videos remain online, and she said no amount of effort will scrub them from the Internet.
Other constant reminders remain, including cruel taunts from sports fans while she works college football games. Sometimes, out of the corner of her eye, Andrews said she thinks she sees Barrett.
"I live in hotels because of my job, and every time I check in, I look around, constantly thinking he is there," she said.
Her fear, pain and humiliation make her want to change hotel policies and help other women who have fallen victim to video voyeurism.
She said she was appalled to learn that hotels gave out information about where she was staying, adding that she still calls hotels to see if they'll acknowledge she's a guest. They often do, she said.
"I have a responsibility to other women," Andrews said. "If I back down or shy away, what kind of message does that send to other women and other guys who may be doing this?"
Barrett, of Westmont, did not offer any reason for his actions Tuesday. Prosecutors say they do not know why he targeted Andrews.
His attorney released a statement after the hearing apologizing to Andrews and saying he is looking forward to any opportunity to "make positive changes" in his life.
Both Andrews' attorney, Marshall Grossman and her father, Steve, hinted that Barrett may face more penalties.
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have agreed not to pursue further charges. However, Barrett could face criminal action in other states stemming from other videos he allegedly shot of unsuspecting nude women through peepholes -- Grossman said there could be as many as a dozen other women affected, but he did not provide details.
Andrews said she didn't consider leaving her job at ESPN.
"I do what I love," she said after the hearing. "It was time for college football to begin."
She said she has drawn strength from her co-workers and family, along with her resolve to help others.
"I didn't do anything wrong," she said. "If I can make a difference for more women, that's what I want to do."
For 10 minutes, Barrett stood, hearing how he pursued Andrews, taped her, posted the videos online and then tried to sell them.
Andrews at times appeared to clench her jaw. She occasionally looked down, shook her head and dabbed tears from her eyes after the 48-year-old admitted the allegations.
She vowed to return on Feb. 22 when Barrett is sentenced and speak against a proposed sentence that would send him to federal prison for 27 months. Real could sentence Barrett to up to five years in prison, fine him $250,000 and order him to pay restitution to Andrews.
None of it will fix what Barrett did, Andrews said after the hearing. The videos remain online, and she said no amount of effort will scrub them from the Internet.
Other constant reminders remain, including cruel taunts from sports fans while she works college football games. Sometimes, out of the corner of her eye, Andrews said she thinks she sees Barrett.
"I live in hotels because of my job, and every time I check in, I look around, constantly thinking he is there," she said.
Her fear, pain and humiliation make her want to change hotel policies and help other women who have fallen victim to video voyeurism.
She said she was appalled to learn that hotels gave out information about where she was staying, adding that she still calls hotels to see if they'll acknowledge she's a guest. They often do, she said.
"I have a responsibility to other women," Andrews said. "If I back down or shy away, what kind of message does that send to other women and other guys who may be doing this?"
Barrett, of Westmont, did not offer any reason for his actions Tuesday. Prosecutors say they do not know why he targeted Andrews.
His attorney released a statement after the hearing apologizing to Andrews and saying he is looking forward to any opportunity to "make positive changes" in his life.
Both Andrews' attorney, Marshall Grossman and her father, Steve, hinted that Barrett may face more penalties.
Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have agreed not to pursue further charges. However, Barrett could face criminal action in other states stemming from other videos he allegedly shot of unsuspecting nude women through peepholes -- Grossman said there could be as many as a dozen other women affected, but he did not provide details.
Andrews said she didn't consider leaving her job at ESPN.
"I do what I love," she said after the hearing. "It was time for college football to begin."
She said she has drawn strength from her co-workers and family, along with her resolve to help others.
"I didn't do anything wrong," she said. "If I can make a difference for more women, that's what I want to do."
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I think it would be cute if they end up together. A REAL HOLLYWOOD ENDING!
I never said this man is ok and right, he is mentally disturbed and should be treated as such in a instituition where he can get help. Erin has no concept of what mental illness and that is what I am upset about. Yes she was stalked, but so are many other people and yet they do not get this notoroaity and publicity. How many rapists and nurderers are not serving their just sentance for the crimes they have done and are let out to committ again? Yet this man should be put away for life becasue of Erin Andrews. Why is she so important and yet the other victims of crimes much more worse were never noticed and their assuaaant was let out early???
My point is she Erin Andrews deserves no more special privaledge in her case than any other victim be that person who lives on TV or in the projects. All victims are victims and she is no better. She has also used this to her advantage ( of course she never wanted it and I never said that) whereas many other victims are scarred for life band cannot even talk about it.
This is totally shocking, an appalling infringement on personal rights. My heart goes out to Erin.
BTW: When are we going to see more of Barret's videos? ;)
just checked out the videos on-line, whether it ruined her life or not, I can not say. However, it did not ruin my day!!! She looks great naked!
This type of behavior is intolerable to most of our civilized society (trolls on this board excepted). Because of the notoriety, and the heinous nature of the personal invasion, I for one hope the judge ignores the prosecution request and gives this clown the maximum sentence.
the video was token from a cell phone with really bad quality he should go to jail
Yeah I heard Erin Andrews on the radio this morning saying how this has 'ruined her career.' And then right after that, a commercial featuring Erin Andrews, that she wouldn't have gotten unless.. this happened.
Never see the light of date, that is extreme, but I do think he shodul do some time.
Hardhat929 is a nut job. I don't think she wanted the publicity. How would you feel if some perv was stalking your daughter or your wife, that is if you actallly have any females in your life. So what if she is pretty, that does not give some perv permission to do this!
ErinAndrews is a slut. I highly doubt this is the first or the last time she shows up naked on the internet.
This guy is free until Feb. 22, what's Erin's travel schedule look like the next 2 months?
hardhat929 on December 16, 2009 10:25 AM
This guy needs psycholgolcal help. Erin Andrews is playing the victim role so well. Geeez I feel so sorry for her, look at all the free publicity she got and yeah I really got to feel so sorry for her. Put him away fopr the rest of his life, this woman is nuts, she needs to join him in the asylum then. Murders , rapists and hardened violent criminals are not put away for life and yet she is so selfabsorbed and self centered and does not realize this man is mentally distrurbed and needs help not incarceration. Maybe Erin should spend time wuith mental patients and those who are needy, and stop playing the victim. We all know she got tyhe job for her looks more than her skill
If Hardhat is married, he should be required to get immediately divorced, then never again allowed near a women. Hey bonehead- easy for someone to talk that has never been stalked. How did she know he wasn't some kind of nut that might rape her or kill her? She might be a celebrity, but she is still a person. She also has a lot more skill than you have brains.
Why did he plead not guilty in the first place if he actually did it? I mean, they CAUGHT the guy, so shouldn't they nail him for perjury too? So he wasn't guilty when he first went to court and now he is? I don't get it.
This guy needs psycholgolcal help. Erin Andrews is playing the victim role so well. Geeez I feel so sorry for her, look at all the free publicity she got and yeah I really got to feel so sorry for her. Put him away fopr the rest of his life, this woman is nuts, she needs to join him in the asylum then. Murders , rapists and hardened violent criminals are not put away for life and yet she is so selfabsorbed and self centered and does not realize this man is mentally distrurbed and needs help not incarceration. Maybe Erin should spend time wuith mental patients and those who are needy, and stop playing the victim. We all know she got tyhe job for her looks more than her skill
Celebrities, athletes, and musicians are all out there putting themselves in the limelight for our attention and entertainment dollars. What should we get in return? There are those who believe that because of their high visibility and the amount of money we as consumers spend to keep up their lifestyle, their lives should be an open book. This includes installing a live video feed in their workplace, residence, and, especially, bedroom. I am here to boldly go out on a limb and take the position that this is wrong.
This guy gets 27 months in prison (and rightly so), but Abbate gets probation for a violent physical attack? I think we have our priorities backwards.
never see the light of day? come on.
who cares
This is terrible, just disgraceful behavior, and I feel sorry for Erin.
BTW: When are Barrets’ next videos going to be posted? :)
This is terrible, just disgraceful behavior, and I feel sorry for Erin.
BTW: When are Barret's next videos going to be posted? :)
This dude should be put away for at LEAST 10 years. The guy stole her dignity, her piece of mind, and her trust. I'm a guy, and I refused to watch the video. She deserves better, and I hope he pays dearly for his psycho selfishness.