A Supermodel and Her Husband Take on an Elite Private Club in a High-Stakes Lawsuit
In a dramatic legal battle unfolding in Miami-Dade County, supermodel Karolina Kurkova and her husband, real estate broker Archie Drury, have filed a lawsuit against the Fisher Island Club, a prestigious members-only club located on a private island near Miami. The complaint alleges that the club’s board of directors unjustly expelled the couple, targeting them with baseless accusations and threats to protect their own interests and maintain control over the island. The Fisher Island Club, however, has dismissed the lawsuit as nothing more than the grievances of disgruntled former members. The case has sparked attention due to the club’s exclusivity and the high-profile status of the plaintiffs, who have been part of the island’s elite community for nearly a decade.
A Series of Incidents Led to Suspension and Expulsion
The trouble began in December 2023 when the Fisher Island Club suspended Archie Drury’s membership for six months, citing allegations of misconduct. These claims included the theft of a white Range Rover belonging to another member, threatening behavior toward a club member, and inappropriate conduct toward a marina employee. Drury and Kurkova deny these accusations, calling them part of an orchestrated effort to damage their reputation and expel them from the club. The lawsuit argues that the Range Rover incident was an innocent mistake, as Drury had unknowingly driven the wrong vehicle from a parking garage to an external lot. The car’s owner did not press charges, further undermining the club’s claims.
The situation escalated further when Drury, attempting to retrieve food for his hungry 2-year-old daughter on Christmas Eve, stepped inside a club restaurant despite his suspension. The club viewed this as a flagrant violation and issued a second six-month suspension. By January, the club had expelled the couple entirely, citing an attempt to defraud the club by designating a membership to a tenant. Kurkova and Drury argue that this action was permitted under the club’s bylaws, as they own multiple residential units on the island. The couple claims the club’s actions were retaliatory and part of a pattern of abuse of power.
Conflicts of Interest and Power Struggles
At the heart of the lawsuit is an alleged conflict of interest involving two Fisher Island Club board members, David Chene and Mark Zeitchick, who also sit on the board of Douglas Elliman, a prominent real estate company. The lawsuit accuses Chene and Zeitchick of using their positions to benefit Douglas Elliman at the expense of the club and its members. For instance, Chene, who is also the chairman of Douglas Elliman’s board, reportedly sought to broker an exclusive deal for the company to handle real estate transactions on the island, potentially enriching himself and the firm. The lawsuit further alleges that the board threatened to suspend members who raised concerns about these dealings.
Kurkova and Drury argue that these actions violate the club’s bylaws and Florida law, creating an environment of fear and intimidation among members. They also accuse the board of allowing members to serve beyond their term limits and engaging in unfair governance practices. The Fisher Island Club has vigorously denied these allegations, calling them "patently false" and "scandalmongering." The club maintains that it has acted lawfully and in the best interests of its members.
Fisher Island: A Haven for the Ultra-Wealthy
Fisher Island, a 216-acre artificial island accessible only by boat or helicopter, is a haven for the ultra-wealthy and influential. Residents include celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, and former NBA player David Lee, as well as business moguls such as Sintavia CEO Brian Neff and tech entrepreneur Mark Sutcliffe. The Fisher Island Club is the social heartbeat of the island, offering private beaches, a golf course, marinas, and exclusive dining options. Membership is highly coveted, and the club’s facilities are central to the lifestyle of its residents. Kurkova and Drury, who own six residential units on the island, have been active members of the community since purchasing their first membership in 2013.
A Call for Reform and Accountability
Kurkova and Drury are seeking a jury trial and millions of dollars in damages for harm to their reputation and business interests. Their case has also sparked a broader conversation about the lack of oversight in Florida’s private clubs and homeowners’ associations (HOAs). Melanie Bonvicino, a spokesperson for the couple, has called for legislative reforms to address what she describes as unfair governance and unchecked power in such organizations. "Property owners deserve protection from these abuses of authority," she said in a statement.
The couple’s lawsuit highlights the challenges faced by residents of wealthy enclaves like Fisher Island, where governance often operates behind closed doors. Kurkova and Drury argue that their expulsion was motivated by the board’s desire to silence them and maintain control over the island. They also emphasize Archie Drury’s contributions to the community, including his role in establishing a medical clinic on the island and his service on the Fisher Island Community Association board. The case is not just about the couple’s expulsion but also about the broader issue of accountability in exclusive communities where power often goes unchecked.
As the legal battle unfolds, the Fisher Island Club remains steadfast in its denial of the allegations, while Kurkova and Drury continue to fight for what they believe is justice. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how private clubs and HOAs in Florida are regulated in the future, potentially leading to much-needed reforms. For now, the drama on Fisher Island serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes and personal costs involved in disputes over power, privilege, and property.
