Model Sabrina Jales St. Pierre has modeled for some of the most well known labels in the modeling industry. However, the model’s career was affected after being attacked by bed bugs.
The infestation of bed bugs resulted in welts that covered her body after staying at a hotel in Palm Desert, California. The Palm Desert Embassy Suites by Hilton was swamped with these bed bugs and her bites caused her not to be able to work for two months. The Victoria’s Secret model has filed a lawsuit against the hotel and it is one of other hotels that is listed in an I-Team investigation. The investigation is exposing sanitary problems at Southern California hotels.
“I literally wanted to rip my skin off. The first morning, when I woke up, I noticed a couple of bites on my arm, but I didn’t think anything of it. And then, the second morning is when I noticed all the bites, and that’s when it got worse,” said Jales St Pierre.
The horrible incident left the model with approximately 90 bed bug bites. Her attorney, Brian Virag, likened what happened to her a massacre.
Police sergeants Gary Bruce had a similar experience to Jales St. Pierre. After staying at the same hotel he noticed red bite marks on his skin. He stated that he’s without a doubt certain that they are bed bug bites. He is now suing the hotel as well.
Sergeant Bruce was one of the officers in the OJ Simpson car chase in 1994.
Regarding Jales St Pierre’s allegations, the hotel released a statement which said “With regard to this incident, our guest reported she felt she had been bitten by bedbugs on her lower legs,” the hotel added. We have a very comprehensive protocol in the event a guest reports any situation affecting their personal well-being. Whenever there is a claim of bites from any number of pests we have a protocol we follow to investigate. Our management immediately upon learning of Ms. Jales’ allegation that she had bug bites, she was relocated to a different room. In addition, as a gesture of hospitality, the hotel dry-cleaned all her laundry. Hotel Management then proceeded to inspect the guest room for pests. The inspection of the room did not reveal any evidence of bedbugs. The Hotel took additional precautionary steps by contacting an outside pest control company. The pest control company reported and documented there was no evidence of any pest in the room, including bed bugs. We deny the allegations put forth in the press and social media.”
Nevertheless, it’s important to know where to look for evidence of bed bugs when you are staying at a hotel. The bugs are found on mattresses, box springs, behind picture frames, on baseboards and headboards as well as on night stands and other parts of the room. A bed bug can hide on curtains, in drawers, on wallpaper etc. In fact, they’re very good at hiding during the day because they are nocturnal and most bites occur in the evening.
If you have recently stayed at a hotel be sure to check your suitcase and garments to ensure that these pests haven’t traveled back with you.
