‘Unhinged got her out of the house’: Woman accused of chucking tarantula sues unwanted Airbnb guest for $28M for ruining her political career
A Minnesota woman who once ran for public office is suing her former Airbnb housemate, claiming the woman falsely accused her of assault in a bizarre incident involving a tarantula — a claim that she says derailed her political career.
Marisa Simonetti, 31, is currently facing misdemeanor assault charges after being accused of throwing a tarantula at Jacklyn Vasquez, a licensed attorney, during a conflict at Simonetti’s home in Edina, a suburb of Minneapolis. The alleged incident has been compared to a prank scene from the movie Home Alone.
Now, Simonetti is pursuing a $28 million lawsuit against Vasquez, the Edina Police Department, its officers, and the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. She claims the incident and subsequent criminal prosecution caused “irreparable harm” to her political ambitions and reputation.
According to the lawsuit, Vasquez stayed in Simonetti’s home as an Airbnb guest in 2024, but tensions escalated when Vasquez allegedly overstayed her welcome and made what Simonetti describes as “extortionate threats.” Simonetti claims Vasquez refused to leave, endangered her family’s safety, and threatened to ruin her public image and political prospects by going to the media.
Rather than seeking legal intervention, the suit alleges, Vasquez “weaponized legal language” to intimidate Simonetti, threatening to portray her as abusive. Simonetti ultimately canceled Vasquez’s Airbnb reservation and called the police. Vasquez allegedly barricaded herself in the basement, and when officers declined to remove her, the conflict reportedly escalated — leading to the alleged tarantula incident and Simonetti’s arrest.
Vasquez has offered limited public comment, stating only: “Look up the term litigation abuse. That’s all I have to provide at the moment.”
At the time of the incident, Simonetti was campaigning for Hennepin County Commissioner and claims she was viewed as an emerging candidate for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Minnesota. Although she lost two commissioner bids, the lawsuit says her campaign was gaining momentum before the arrest — with growing donor interest, media coverage, and public engagement.
“Key donors rescinded pledges, community events were canceled, and Plaintiff was denied valuable earned media and speaking opportunities due to the pending charges,” the lawsuit claims.
The lawsuit also accuses Vasquez of unauthorized use of Simonetti’s credit card, including a $350 purchase of sex toys at a CVS.
Simonetti, who filed the lawsuit herself, alleges the Edina police violated her First Amendment rights by interfering with her political speech and claims her arrest lacked probable cause. She also contends that Hennepin County prosecutors violated her due process rights by pressing charges based on “demonstrably false information.”
Speaking to local outlets KMSP and KARE, Simonetti described the breakdown in communication with Vasquez, alleging that Vasquez sent long, accusatory text messages about issues such as a supposed spider infestation and poor internet service. She said she eventually blocked Vasquez out of discomfort.
Simonetti said Vasquez began screaming over the phone, making threats to have her arrested and to damage her campaign. In response, Simonetti admitted to trying what she called a tactic inspired by her favorite childhood film, Home Alone, in an effort to get Vasquez to leave.
“There is an element of humor to that movie,” she told KMSP. “At the end of the day, unhinged got her out of the house.”
Simonetti acknowledged that she did not own the Edina home and was unclear on whether she had the right to sublet it. Describing the rules as “hazy,” she framed the situation as “funny” and “ridiculous.”
“I’m good at creatively solving problems, and at the end of the day, I didn’t physically harm anybody,” she said. “I’m a little unconventional in my ways — sometimes. I mean, I’m a silly goose.”
Simonetti’s misdemeanor case remains active, and she is not currently considered a leading contender for the 2026 Senate race.
About Post Author
