A model and actress says a severe moth infestation in her Wall St. apartment had her bugging out — just when she was to attend Fashion Week and the Oscars.
Monique Zordan, 32, sued Traveler’s Insurance Co. for $1 million Tuesday in Manhattan Supreme Court, saying it should cover damage from the insects.
Zordan “came home, and to her utter horror discovered, what she believed to be, clothes moths, which had infested her apartment, laid their eggs, and eaten through two couches, area rugs, and a substantial amount of very expensive clothes, accessories, rugs and so forth,” the suit says, recounting the ordeal that began in February.
The creatures had completely overwhelmed her apartment at 75 Wall St.
“She discovered not only numerous adult moths, but what she believed to be larvae and cocoon like nests on her very expensive and precious clothing,” papers read.
A major fumigation of the apartment required she remove all of her belongings, including “unique and expensive clothing, which was substantially damaged,” the suit says.
“Plaintiff was expected to attend the Oscars around this time, however did not feel comfortable leaving her valuables and clothing susceptible to further damage,” papers read.
A photo snapped in Los Angeles the night of the awards ceremony shows that Zordan attended the 25th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Academy Awards Viewing Party.
Fashion Week was also a hassle.
“During Fashion Week, in order to deal with the infestation, she was forced to take up residency at hotels, and to have her team of hair, makeup, and wardrobe prepare her for events . . . because her apartment could not be occupied,” her suit reads.
In May, the insurance company informed Zordan — who appeared in the film, “Four Nights in the Hamptons” — that her policy did not cover damages because of insect infestation.
She alleges the company acted in bad faith by denying the claim.
Zordan’s lawyer said she sued only as a last resort.
“Under the present circumstances, Traveler’s elected not to honor such contract and instead, summarily denied the claim without any investigation,” the Landau Group, which is representing Zordan said, adding, “… Ms. Zordan’s only viable option, is litigation.”
Traveler’s did not respond to a request for comment.
