Barbie Agostini and James Kane, known for retrieving a $100,000 safe while magnet fishing, now face serious accusations from Barbie’s sister, Kathleen Agostini. Kathleen claims the couple owes over $15,000 in unpaid rent for their Queens apartment and has refused to leave since their lease ended in October. Despite their financial windfall, the couple remains in the apartment, forcing Kathleen to start eviction proceedings in January.
The couple gained viral fame after pulling the safe from Flushing Meadows Corona Park, but Kathleen fears their newfound celebrity status might overshadow their refusal to pay rent and leave the property. Kathleen also accuses Kane of using corrosive chemicals to clean their magnet fishing finds, resulting in significant damage to the plumbing and causing a ceiling collapse above her bedroom.
John Francis, the couple’s attorney, stated that the court ordered Kathleen to assess and repair the property, allowing the couple to stay until the legal dispute is resolved. He added that Kathleen rejected rental payments from the couple, further complicating the situation. Kathleen argues that financial hardship has prevented her from making the necessary repairs.
Kane denies responsibility for the damage, claiming the landlord has harassed them and exposed their personal information online. The couple’s legal representative also highlighted that the property remains in disrepair despite the couple allowing access for repairs. Kathleen’s fears about the couple’s continued occupancy without paying rent or facing eviction have intensified, especially given their public visibility.
