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Paula Zahn Settles Landscaper Suit
Wednesday, 24-Jul-2002 5:14PM Story from The Associated Press
Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press (via ClariNet)

GREENWICH, Conn. (AP) -- Paula Zahn and her husband have settled a lawsuit that claimed they failed to pay a landscaper thousands of dollars for work done at their home, the couple's lawyer said Wednesday.

Memrie Lewis sued the CNN news anchor and her husband, Richard Cohen. She accused them of not paying her approximately $108,000 for extensive landscaping at their Greenwich home.

According to documents filed in Stamford Superior Court, she was seeking about $200,000, including interest and compensation.

Bob Dombross, the couple's attorney, said Wednesday's settlement was "considerably less" than $200,000. He said he could not disclose other details.

"We were very close to a settlement for the last couple of weeks, and we reached a settlement today," Dombross said.

Messages left for Lewis and her attorney were not immediately returned Wednesday evening.

Zahn and Cohen's lawyers filed a motion last week arguing that Zahn should not have to give a deposition in the case because she has "celebrity status."

Eric Posmantier, Lewis' Greenwich attorney, filed a motion Tuesday objecting to Zahn's request for a protective order, arguing that her fame should not prevent her from giving a deposition.

In a statement released earlier Wednesday, Cohen said he negotiated and signed the contract. He said that he was overcharged and that his agreement was violated.

"It's unfortunate that it has gone this far," he said. "The only thing I can conclude is that Ms. Lewis is exploiting Paula's public position."

Dombross said Zahn was not involved with the landscape work.

"This was her husband's matter," Dombross said. "I guess this is the price you pay for being a celebrity."