Colombian Nanny Receives ₹23 Crore After Disturbing Hidden Camera Incident
In a shocking case that has captured the attention of many, Kelly Andrade, a 25-year-old nanny from Colombia, has been awarded an astounding $2.78 million (approximately ₹23 crores) after discovering that she was secretly filmed by her millionaire employer, Michael Esposito. The harrowing ordeal unfolded in 2021 when Andrade, who was caring for Esposito's four children in New York, found a hidden camera embedded in the smoke detector of her bedroom.
Andrade had been employed through a placement agency and was initially excited about her role in the Esposito household. However, her sense of safety and security was shattered when she began to notice suspicious behavior from her employer. Esposito frequently adjusted the smoke detector, which Andrade thought was odd, and her instincts led her to investigate. When she finally checked the device, her fears were confirmed; the smoke detector concealed a camera that contained hundreds of recordings, many of which captured her in intimate situations.
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The moment Andrade discovered the camera, panic set in. Just minutes after she found the device, Esposito returned home. In a state of fear and desperation, she climbed out of a window to escape, injuring herself in the process. "He seemed very nervous and worried when he arrived," Andrade recounted, highlighting the atmosphere of dread that permeated her home environment. The discovery not only marked the end of her employment but also sent her spiraling into a traumatic experience that would take years to process.
The legal repercussions for Esposito were underwhelming, as he faced charges of unlawful surveillance, which could carry a maximum prison sentence of four years. However, he ultimately received a mere slap on the wrist, being placed on probation and required to attend counseling instead of facing jail time. This outcome left Andrade feeling outraged, as she expressed, "It's not enough for the whole situation I've been through these three years. The damage he caused me was irreversible."
In a civil lawsuit, Andrade testified about her experience, revealing the emotional distress and trauma she endured. A jury ultimately sided with her, awarding her $780,000 in damages for emotional distress and an additional $2 million in punitive damages against Esposito. Despite the financial compensation, Andrade remains vocal about her dissatisfaction with the justice received, noting that no amount of money could truly compensate for the psychological impact of her experience.
Reflecting on the trial, she shared that the process forced her to relive painful memories she had desperately tried to forget. Andrade now resides in New Jersey with her husband and is committed to her healing journey. She hopes to use her platform to raise awareness about the abuse that many nannies and immigrants face, urging them to speak out against their aggressors. "Don’t keep quiet. Don’t be afraid to report your aggressor," she implores, aiming to empower others who may find themselves in similar predicaments.
As she works toward recovery, Andrade’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for legal systems to take such violations seriously. Her case highlights not just the personal trauma endured but also the broader implications for worker safety and rights, particularly for those in vulnerable positions like caregivers and domestic workers.
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