A judge in Los Angeles is considering a drastic step: ordering the sale of Nicki Minaj’s massive $20 million mansion in Hidden Hills. This comes after a security guard won a $500,000 judgment against her and her husband, Kenneth Petty, for an alleged backstage assault during a concert in Germany.
During a recent hearing, Judge Cindy Pánuco indicated she’s close to allowing the sale, pending one final document from Bank of America regarding Minaj’s mortgage payment. “I just want to make sure we’re getting it right,” she stated. The judge raised concerns about the auction process. If the home sells for less than its value, it might not cover the judgment.
The guard’s attorney, Paul Saso, believes the sale will bring in more than enough money to settle the judgment. However, the judge wants to see the bank statement first, pushing the follow-up hearing to January 22.
Thomas Weidenmuller, the plaintiff, claims he sought to resolve the matter without involving the court, but Minaj and Petty did not respond. He stated that several potential sources for garnishment have claimed they either owe nothing or have ignored the inquiries.
Minaj’s home has a mortgage lien of over $13 million. After paying off the mortgage and a homestead exemption, it’s estimated that a sale could yield around $6 million. The application argues that forcing the sale is regrettable but necessary due to Minaj’s refusal to pay the judgment.
Weidenmuller’s legal battle started back in January 2022 after an incident where he allegedly intervened during Minaj’s concert when she lost her temper over a fan’s behavior. He claims that Petty reacted violently, leaving him with significant injuries requiring multiple surgeries. Weidenmuller has detailed the physical pain he has endured, mentioning that he currently has five plates in his jaw due to the assault.
Despite his strong legal victory, Minaj didn’t formally respond to the lawsuit, which led to the judge awarding a reduced amount of approximately $503,000 instead of the $700,000 originally sought for damages and medical expenses.
This case illustrates how celebrity disputes can escalate into legal battles, highlighting the challenges people face when seeking justice against high-profile figures. Weidenmuller’s situation not only reveals the complexities of enforcing judgments against celebrities but also raises questions about accountability in the entertainment industry.
Minaj, known for her significant influence in music and boasting an estimated net worth of $150 million, is under scrutiny for her perceived inaction in this case. She and Petty, married since 2019, share a son, and the home in question is solely owned by her.
Additionally, Petty is currently involved in a separate sexual assault lawsuit stemming from an incident in the 1990s, showcasing how the couple’s legal issues seem to continue accumulating.
Recent surveys indicate that nearly 60% of Americans feel that celebrities are not held to the same legal standards as the general public. This ongoing case reflects those sentiments, as many wonder if justice will truly be served when a celebrity is involved.
For more on the unfolding events, you can refer to the coverage by Rolling Stone.
Source link
courts and crime,Nicki Minaj
