The rapper may lose her California residence after failing to compensate a security guard who filed a lawsuit against her and her husband, Kenneth Petty.
Nicki Minaj is at risk of losing her multimillion-dollar California estate as a Los Angeles judge prepares to order its sale. This decision follows her failure to pay a $500,000 judgment related to a lawsuit from a security guard who claims he was assaulted by her husband, Kenneth Petty.
During a hearing on Monday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cindy Pánuco indicated her intention to grant a motion for the forced sale of the property to satisfy the outstanding debt. This ruling comes after a prolonged period of inaction from Minaj, who has not settled the judgment despite losing the case several years ago.
Judge’s Considerations
Judge Pánuco stated her plan to proceed with the sale order but emphasized the need to address all relevant details before making a final decision. She is currently awaiting documentation from Bank of America to ascertain the amount paid on the mansion’s $13 million mortgage since Minaj’s purchase of the property in October 2022. The estate is now estimated to be worth around $20 million.
The judge also raised concerns regarding the potential outcome if the property does not sell for its full market value at auction. She noted that if bidders do not meet the $20 million asking price, and the sale does not generate sufficient funds to cover both the mortgage and the judgment, she would require additional information to determine the next steps.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for January 22, 2026, allowing both parties time to compile the necessary financial documentation.
Origin of the Lawsuit
The legal issues date back to an incident in Germany in 2019. Thomas Weidenmuller, a security guard at one of Minaj’s performances, filed a lawsuit against both the rapper and Petty in 2022. He alleges that he was assaulted by Petty after allowing a fan to join Minaj on stage during the concert.
Weidenmuller claims that the assault occurred at Minaj’s direction, asserting she instructed her husband to confront him over the security breach. This situation escalated into physical violence, resulting in the lawsuit that now jeopardizes Minaj’s real estate assets.
Consequences of Default Judgment
Minaj’s legal challenges intensified due to her failure to respond to the lawsuit. When a defendant does not answer a complaint or appear in court, judges can issue a default judgment in favor of the plaintiff. This was the case here, leading to a court order requiring Minaj to pay $503,000 to Weidenmuller.
Despite the judgment, Minaj has not paid the settlement amount. This nonpayment prompted Weidenmuller to file a motion last month requesting the court to compel the sale of her home to recover the owed amount, arguing that selling the property was necessary due to failed collection attempts.
The Property in Question
The Hidden Hills estate represents a significant financial investment for Minaj. Acquired for $13 million in late 2022, the property has appreciated in value and is now estimated at $20 million. Located in one of California’s most exclusive neighborhoods, the area is favored by celebrities seeking privacy and luxury.
Should the forced sale proceed, the proceeds will first be used to pay off the remaining mortgage balance before addressing the lawsuit judgment. Depending on how much of the mortgage has been paid down over the past two years, there may or may not be enough equity to fully satisfy Weidenmuller’s claim.
Next Steps
The upcoming January hearing will be crucial in determining whether Minaj retains her home or if it will be sold at auction. Judge Pánuco’s decision to wait for the Bank of America statement indicates her intention to gather a complete financial overview before making a final ruling.
For Minaj, this situation serves as a reminder of the repercussions of neglecting legal matters. What began as an alleged assault at a concert has escalated into a potential threat to her real estate holdings due to her failure to engage with the initial lawsuit.
The case also illustrates the impact of default judgments within the legal system. When defendants do not participate in their defense, courts can make determinations without hearing their perspective, which may lead to outcomes that could have differed had they been involved in the process.
As the January hearing approaches, attention will be focused on whether Minaj settles the debt or faces the loss of her California mansion to fulfill a judgment that has remained unresolved for years.
