As Annie Savoy from “Bull Durham” would say, “Oh my.”
Actress Susan Sarandon — who played role of Annie in the iconic baseball film — has filed a lawsuit against a contractor, claiming poor work and questionable financial practices during renovations on her Vermont residence, the Berkshire Eagle reported.
Sarandon’s limited liability company, The Right to Bear Farms, filed the lawsuit against DeGrenier Contracting and Property Management in federal court in Springfield last week.
Sarandon, also known for roles in movies like “Thelma & Louise,” purchased 47-acres of property in Stamford, Vermont, for nearly $300,000 in 2018, with the intention of creating a fully sustainable home.
The property, previously equipped with only a small cabin, was envisioned by Sarandon as an off-the-grid haven in the face of growing environmental concerns.
The complaint accuses the Clarksburg contractor of breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment.
Sarandon claims that the contractor submitted inaccurate invoices and billed for work that was never done. The lawsuit demands a jury trial.
Sarandon’s grievances extend beyond financial matters. She claims company owner Chad DeGrenier misrepresented his qualifications for the project and displayed inconsistencies in record-keeping and accounting. Sarandon and her family noticed construction issues during visits to the property in November 2022 and again in January 2023, the outlet said.
Sarandon commissioned an engineering report in February 2023. The report identified a range of problems, including mold growth, roofing defects, and insulation issues. The lawsuit points fingers at DeGrenier for poor contractor selection and management, citing instances of unqualified friends and family members being chosen for critical tasks.
Moreover, the suit delves into an unrelated matter involving Chad DeGrenier’s role as the property’s caretaker. Despite allegedly receiving $140,000 for this responsibility, Sarandon claims that little actual caretaking took place. Instead, the lawsuit says, DeGrenier enriched himself by buying a $91,000 snowblower under his name.
— Ted Glanzer