A multimillion-dollar Hidden Hills mansion owned by rap superstar Nicki Minaj faces potential forced sale after a former security guard, Thomas Weidenmuller, filed a motion on October 6 to collect on a $503,000 settlement stemming from a 2019 assault lawsuit against Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty.
The luxury property, purchased by Minaj in December 2022 for $19.5 million, has become the focus of legal proceedings after Weidenmuller’s attempts to collect the judgment without resorting to property seizure proved unsuccessful.
Court documents reveal that the mansion, currently valued at approximately $20 million, carries a $13.26 million mortgage lien and a $722,000 homestead exemption, leaving nearly $6 million in equity available to satisfy the debt.
Weidenmuller’s legal team argues that the court has authority to approve the sale, noting that the law does not require exhaustion of other collection methods before requesting the sale of a debtor’s residence. The $503,000 judgment represents only a fraction of Minaj’s estimated net worth of $150-190 million, making the non-payment particularly notable to observers.
The case has attracted significant media attention, highlighting the potential consequences when legal judgments are ignored, even by high-profile celebrities.
The lawsuit originated from an incident where Petty allegedly broke Weidenmuller’s jaw during a confrontation at Minaj’s concert in Germany, requiring the security guard to undergo surgery.
Industry analysts point out that the stark contrast between the relatively modest debt amount and the couple’s considerable wealth makes the situation all the more remarkable.
Should the court approve Weidenmuller’s motion, one of Hollywood’s most prestigious homes could be headed for auction.
Legal experts note that the case demonstrates how asset seizure can be employed as an enforcement mechanism when traditional collection efforts fail, regardless of the debtor’s status or wealth.
Prior to pursuing the mansion seizure, Weidenmuller attempted multiple collection strategies including sending levy notices to Apple, UMG, Capitol Records, and Live Nation.
The mansion’s potential sale underscores a fundamental principle of the legal system: court judgments must be satisfied, whether the debtor is an average citizen or a global superstar.
As the case progresses, all eyes remain on the Hidden Hills estate and whether Minaj and Petty will resolve the debt before facing the loss of their luxury home.
Some industry insiders speculate that Minaj’s royalty income through performance rights organizations could potentially be targeted in future collection efforts if the mansion sale is not approved.
For artists like Minaj, who typically earn through sync deals and licensing opportunities, legal issues affecting their assets can significantly impact their diverse income portfolio.
