Hudson sues Airbnb hosts over 2023 leak of shirtless Belichick video

Key points

• Hudson filed the suit in Suffolk County Superior Court on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, alleging invasion of privacy, breach of contract, and unfair conduct.
• The lawsuit claims McDevitt and Nolan shared a Ring doorbell video of Belichick without consent, despite promising to delete it after Hudson requested its removal.
• Hudson alleges the leak in November 2023 was the primary reason her relationship with Belichick became public, leading to unwanted media scrutiny and tabloid ridicule.
• The complaint states that McDevitt later admitted in May 2025 to sending the video to others to verify Belichick's identity, contradicting earlier denials.
• Hudson is seeking unspecified damages, attorneys' fees, and a court order prohibiting the defendants from disclosing any further private information about her.

Background

This lawsuit stems from a viral video from 2023 that showed Belichick, then the New England Patriots coach, leaving a Massachusetts Airbnb shirtless. The clip inadvertently revealed his relationship with Hudson, who was 22 at the time. Although the couple reportedly split in late 2025, they remain business partners and occasionally appear together publicly. Belichick has since transitioned to coaching the North Carolina Tar Heels, where his team is currently 5-4 this season.

How outlets are covering it

OutKick and the Los Angeles Times emphasize the emotional and reputational damage Hudson claims to have suffered, highlighting the 'ridicule' and 'denigration' she faced due to the leak. NBC News, however, presents a more skeptical legal perspective, citing attorney Michael Coyne who argues that Hudson may struggle to prove damages because her public profile was arguably elevated by the exposure. While the LA Times notes the defendants could not be reached for comment, NBC News highlights that the defendants have not yet responded to the lawsuit, leaving the legal merits of the privacy claim open to debate.

Why it matters

The case tests the boundaries of privacy rights in the age of smart home devices and social media leaks. It highlights the potential legal consequences for hosts who share security footage of guests, even if the footage involves public figures. The outcome could set a precedent for how courts handle claims of privacy invasion when the subject is a high-profile individual whose relationship was exposed without explicit consent.

What to watch

The case will proceed through the Massachusetts court system, with Hudson requesting a jury trial. The defendants, McDevitt and Nolan, have not yet responded to the complaint. Legal experts suggest the case may hinge on whether Hudson can demonstrate tangible damages from the leak, given the public nature of Belichick's status. The lawsuit may also lead to aggressive discovery involving both Hudson and Belichick, potentially revealing more details about their relationship and the circumstances of the leak.