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Ricki Lake Sued for 'Burning Down' Malibu Beach House

By Stephanie Rabiner, Esq. on June 16, 2011 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Ricki Lake: fire starter?

According to a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, this very well may be true.

Hovsep Kousouyan, owner of Lake's rented Malibu beach house, is suing for unspecified damages, alleging that Lake's negligence left his multi-million dollar home ablaze and burnt to a crisp.

In September 2010, Ricki Lake was in her rented Malibu beach house with her two sons when she called 911 to report a fire.

Law enforcement told the press that Lake was refilling a portable heater with oil when the couch caught on fire, reports The Hollywood Reporter. The lawsuit contends that this, along with other statements made to officials, demonstrates that Lake had admitted liability for the fire that left the house unlivable.

Though the fire was ruled an accident, Ricki Lake can still be held liable for its occurrence and any resulting damage if Kousouyan can prove that she was negligent in her actions.

This determination is going to turn on whether the fire was caused by Ricki Lake's negligence or some sort of defect in the portable heater.

For instance, if the fire began because Lake was using the heater without regard for instructions or safety, she may be held liable. But, if the fire began because the heater became too hot, then she probably won't be held liable.

So, Ricki Lake: fire starter? It's too difficult to tell at this point, but at least we know that, if it was her fault, she didn't do it on purpose.

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