Hadid dad’s mansion battle finally courts a verdict in California
SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Mohamed Hadid’s battle with Bel Air residents claiming they live in fear of his colossal, curved-concrete spec mansion collapsing on them finally went to a jury Tuesday.
After five weeks of testimony and the judge whittling the case down to nuisance claims and a single surviving fraud allegation, jurors began deliberating shortly before noon in a coastal courthouse in Los Angeles County.
The verdict won’t affect the fate of the $50 million megamansion now in receivership, only whether or not Hadid must pay the plaintiff neighbors damages for perching the problem-plagued house, dubbed the “Starship Enterprise” by critics, on a hillside above their homes.
A judge previously declared the property a public nuisance and danger to the community. It’s due to be auctioned off soon, with the potential buyer expected to pay the costs of its remaining demolition.
Plaintiffs John and Judith Bedrosian are asking for $4.2 million for the “loss of use” of the full enjoyment of their home, while Joseph and Beatriz Horacek say they deserve $1.96 million, he said.
On the fraud claim, Joseph Horacek is asking for $2.35 million, claiming Hadid tricked him by showing a rendering at a homeowners association meeting in April 2011 that ended up bearing little resemblance to the massive three-story structure ultimately built.
In his soft-spoken voice, the developer dad of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid said he’s known for complicated, high-end projects that change over time as his artistry evolves.
Hadid, 72, has lost upward of $15 million out of his own pocket on the doomed project.
If the receiver finds a buyer, any proceeds are expected to pay bankers first, with Hadid expected to walk away empty-handed.
“No comment,” Hadid said Tuesday as he left the courthouse with his 36-year-old daughter, Alana.