A Martha’s Vineyard woman is suing a man to whom she rented her seasonal home, alleging that he allowed the residence to be used as a set for a “multitude” of scenes for pornographic movies that prominently featured her artwork as background props.
Leah Bassett, a longtime resident of the town of Aquinnah on the island, has sued Joshua Spafford, the man she says leased her home under false pretenses, and production company Mile High Distribution Inc. and its associates. Two entertainment companies that distribute pornography are also named.
According to documents filed in US District Court this week, in September 2014 Bassett was contacted by Spafford about an “extended ‘winter’ rental” of her Martha’s Vineyard home, which she built and designed with her father.
Bassett alleges Spafford never mentioned the residence would be used to shoot “commercial porn” with his employer, Nica Noelle, one of the other defendants — conduct that Bassett says violated the lease.
Spotted on The Boston Globe
