Friday, March 14, 2008
Top Models
RICHARD JOHNSON PAGE SIX - March 10, 2008 -- THE 14 wannabe models from the latest cycle of "America's Next Top Model" are accused of making a dump out of the gorgeous $6 million TriBeCa loft where they lived for 10 weeks. Anisa Productions, which makes the show hosted by Tyra Banks, rented the loft at 39 Lispenard St., promising landlord Michael Marvisi that any damage would be minor, according to an insider. Instead, we're told, the crew "punched hundreds of holes in the ceiling to hang lighting equipment" and ruined the Brazilian wood floors, forcing the owner to tear them up and install all new flooring when the women moved out three weeks ago. "These girls not only destroyed the floors, it appears they had food fights. There's ketchup and coffee splattered all over the landlord's $20,000 white drapes. There's lipstick on the walls," said the insider. "They moved in furniture and made holes all along the walls." According to our source, while the beauties were staying in the 4,200-square-foot loft, they damaged a $15,000 chandelier beyond repair and splashed so much water around, the bathroom was ruined and had to be tested for mold. "A plumber had to come fix the toilet and the water caused $90,000 worth of damage to the electrical store on the first floor," said our source. "America's Next Top Model" also "skipped out on" a $1,500 electric bill, claimed our source, who estimated the damage totals $500,000. "The landlord is devastated," the source said. "Three other shows approached him [to use the loft] and he turned them all down for 'Top Model.' And a tenant was supposed to move in a week ago, but when the place wasn't ready, they pulled out. Tyra Banks should be ashamed of herself." The show offered to settle for $125,000, but has not paid Marvisi any money, according to our insider. The landlord now plans to file a lawsuit against the show. Reps for both Anisa Productions and the show said, "No comment." A rep for Banks did not return calls for comment.