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"Tubby Temptress" 2: The Suing
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jun 9, 2010
Modified Jun 9, 2010
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Jun 9, 2010
Modified Jun 9, 2010
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Brooke Hundley, the "tubby temptress" who was ensnared in a...complicated relationship with former Mets GM and former ESPN broadcaster Steve Phillips last year, is suing ESPN for defamation. Hundley claims ESPN defamed her by firing her based on false statements by Phillips, and by claiming she had not fully cooperated with its investigation.
According to Foxnews, the lawsuit says that Phillips made false statements to police, portraying her as a danger to his family while painting himself as an innocent victim, and also falsely claimed he had been trying to end their relationship. She is accusing ESPN of acting maliciously to insulate itself from liability for Phillips' conduct.
The 22-year-old is seeking lost wages and benefits, attorney's fees and "money for emotional distress, mental anguish and damage to her reputation." ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz denied the charges: "Hundley's claims are without merit and we will vigorously defend against them. Her current charges do not accurately portray ESPN's handling of the matter."
On her website, Hundley quotes Jackie Robinson ("I'm not concerned with your liking or disliking me..."), and reflected on her choices, the bias of the media, and moving forward with her life: "These past few months have been difficult to say the least, I’ve been called every name in the book by people who know little about me other than my role in what the tabloids pieced together to be a scandalous news item to sell more papers day after day...As part of my growing up I’ve been reminded each and every day that our actions have far reaching consequences and I have learned a great deal about one’s own responsibility in making the right choices to alter the way your life plays out...There were moments, pivotal decisions, that brought me down a road I couldn’t turn back on, but those I can only accept as part of what defines me now." Thankfully, she isn't letting any of that reflection get in the way of her suing ESPN.
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brooke hundley
espn
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steve phillips
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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