Desktop Site16 December 2011
Courtney Love has hit back at claims she set fire to her New York apartment and is behind on her rent.
Courtney Love has hit back at claims she set fire to her New York apartment.
The 'Malibu' rocker could face eviction from the apartment in the city's West Village area, but insists she's been paying $27,000 a month rent as agreed and had consent from the property's owner, Donna Lyon, to repaint it, after she filed a court claim against her.
She told the New York Post newspaper: "I haven't fallen behind on the rent - I have been paying month to month as agreed. My rent is current, but the owner is now asking for the remaining two months upfront.
"Even though it's not required, I'd happily pay that and another six months' rent upfront if she would extend the lease for six months. I have repainted, but I asked permission, and used a painter approved by the owner."
Donna had filed a court complaint saying Courtney owes her money, has redecorated without permission and that she had caused a fire at the $8 million property.
Courtney's lawyer, Eric D. Sherman of Pryor Cashman, has countered, claiming Donna is trying to sensationalise the issue and her rent claim "has no merit".
He said: "Sources said Lyon's suit and eviction attempt could be a ploy to draw publicity to the property to help sell it. The rocker admits a candle started a small fire in June, but the FDNY quickly put it out.
"I am unaware of any suit concerning alterations to the townhouse. It's unfortunate that Miss Lyon and her attorney chose to attack my client unfairly in the press, and we will deal with that accordingly. What we won't do is respond in a similarly inappropriate manner."
Donna's lawyer, Norman Flitt, counters, reiterating his client's accusations, saying: "There are two disputes. One is the rent non-payment issue, which will be heard in court on December 21. The other is the issue with the redecoration. It doesn't matter what painter they used. They should be telling you what they are doing to fix it."