A homeowner suing James Harden and others over a contractual dispute related to a Beverly Hills mansion the Los Angeles Clippers guard leased in 2019 wants a judge to order the NBA player to attend a deposition and impose a fine of more than $10,000.
George Santopietro’s Los Angeles Superior Court complaint alleges that Harden paid $82,200 to stay for a week at the home contingent on him not having more than seven guests. But Harden had multiple parties during the lease term in which he hosted more than 15 people and the home suffered property damage that negatively affected Santopietro’s relationship with the homeowners association, according to the plaintiff’s court papers.
In papers filed Friday with Judge Michael Linfield in advance of a March 1 hearing, Santopietro’s attorney maintains that he has many times requested dates for Harden to appear for a deposition, but none have been provided.
Santopietro’s lawyer further states that he went so far as to offer Harden a deposition date that would not conflict with a day on which he would be playing a game for the Clippers.
“Apparently, Harden is evading his attorney’s efforts to contact him for a deposition,” Santopietro’s attorney alleges in his court papers, in which the plaintiff’s lawyer also urges that Harden be fined $10,330.
“Sanctions in this amount are necessary to stop these actions by (Harden) and well-earned,” Santopietro’s attorney maintains.
In January, Harden filed a cross-complaint against the Beverly Park North Homeowners Association as well as the Vmw Trust, identified in the court papers as the mansion’s title holder at the time it was leased. Harden alleges negligence and is seeking indemnity.
Trial of Santopietro’s case, filed in September 2019, is scheduled for July 29.
Harden, 34, became a member of the Clippers in October, four months after requesting a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers.
He attended Artesia High School in Lakewood and led the team to two state titles. He is the highest all-time left-handed scorer in NBA history.