A Manhattan real estate broker with Douglas Elliman has sued representatives of pop superstar Taylor Swift, alleging the singer refused to pay commission after the purchase of a townhouse.
The suit claims a written promise to the unnamed broker for exclusive representation of Swift in the purchase of the townhome. The broker claims to have shown two properties to Swift, including the townhouse she purchased, along with other work on the star's behalf, including providing blueprints, measuring the townhouse with a laser device, and introducing the former owner of the townhouse to representatives for Swift. Swift had already owned the property next to the townhome she purchased last year for $18 million.
The lawsuit states that another broker took the commission for the transaction. Douglas Elliman is seeking $1.1 million in damages, or about 6 percent of the property’s purchase price.
The lawsuit does not specifically name Swift, but the companies she has used in previous real estate transactions—Firefly Entertainment, 13 Management, and Euro Tribeca, The Real Deal reports. Representatives for Swift have declined to publicly comment on the lawsuit.
Source: “Taylor Swift Sued by Real Estate Broker Over $1M Commission,” PageSix.com (Jan. 25, 2018) and “Bad Blood: Elliman Accuses Taylor Swift Entity of Stiffing Broker on Commission,” The Real Deal (Jan. 25, 2018)
