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Shohei Ohtani and his agent were hit by a lawsuit by a real estate investor and broker in Hawaii and claimed they got them fired from a $ 240 million luxury dollars by spending their celebrity status.
Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way super-star agent is accused of increasingly demanding concessions from developer Kevin J. Hayes and real estate agent Tomoko Matsumoto and then demanded that their own business partner, Kingsbarn Realty Capital, drop them from the deal.
“[Nez] Balelo and Otani, who were exclusively brought to the Venture for Otani’s promotional and branding value, exploited their celebrity ability to destabilize and ultimately dismantle the plaintiffs’ role in the project-other reason other than their own financial self-interest, “the trial via Associated Press said.
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Shohei Ohtani from Los Angeles Dodgers talks to Agent Nez Balelo ahead of the game between New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams at Sofi Stadium on December 21, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
“This case is about abuse of power,” the trial continued. “The defendant used threats and baseless legal claims of forcing a business partner to betray his contractual obligations and stripes of plaintiffs of the whole project they devised and built.
“The defendant must be held responsible for their actions, not shielded by fame or behind the scenes agents who deal with impunity. The plaintiffs bring this case to postpone the defendant’s wrongdoing and to ensure that the rules of contract, fair trade and accountability apply equally to all-celebrity or not.”
Ohtani and Balelo are charged with torture interference and unfair enrichment while undermining their interests in another venture.
Balelo’s Agency, CAA, refused to comment on the suit, according to AP.
Los Angeles’ two -way player shohei ohtani bats against Toronto Blue Jays at Dodger Stadium. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imag images)
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Balelo threatened to pull Ohtani from the deal if their own claims were not met, the suit said.
“Kingsbarn began to capitulate to Balelos any whim,” the suit said. “Over time, it became increasingly clear that Kingsbarn was more concerned about maintaining his relationship with Otani than honoring his obligations to his business partners.” Ohtani signed his approval agreement with the developers in 2023.
This is not the first time Ohtani has had off-field drama involving large sums. His former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, is awarded a prison sentence for theft and fraud after stealing money from Ohtani to pay off game debt. The money delivered to bookies was from Ohtani’s bank account.
Los Angeles Dodgers appointed hitter Shohei Ohtani celebrates with teammates after hitting a homemade against Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. (Kirby Lee/Imag- Pictures)
Ohtani just became the first person since 2018 to hit 40-Plus home runs in three consecutive seasons as he fights for a fourth MVP in the last five years for the NL-West-leading dodgers.
