Willow

LEONARDO DiCAPRIO is suing dozens of building contractors in relation to a row over the construction of a basketball court which the actor's neighbours claim damaged their property.

The Titanic star and his cousin Robert Hrtica, from whom DiCaprio rents the Hollywood Hills home, filed legal papers in Los Angeles Superior Court on 30 January (08).

The pair allege contractors and landscapers who built the basketball court in 2004, and another contractor who worked on a retaining wall for neighbours Ronald and Joan Linclau, should be held liable for any damage to the Linclaus' property.

DiCaprio and Hrtica also claim the Linclaus' own lawsuit, which was filed in May 2007 and claims the basketball court damaged their property, is meritless.

DiCaprio's legal documents state: "Seeking a scapegoat for the potential problems that they themselves created and the creation of a backyard for themselves free of charge, (the Linclaus) filed this lawsuit in an apparent attempt to extort the cost of construction of a new retaining wall."

Last month (Jan08), a judge ruled the Linclaus need to amend their lawsuit as it doesn't prove DiCaprio did anything wrong, or it will be thrown out of court.

Source contactmusic

Willow

LEONARDO DiCAPRIO is heading for a court battle over the construction of his basketball court, after a judge gave his Hollywood neighbours the go-ahead to sue the actor for allegedly damaging their property.

The Titanic star and his cousin Robert Hrtica, from whom DiCaprio rents the Hollywood Hills home, are named in legal papers filed by neighbours Ronald and Joan Linclau last May (07).

The Linclaus allege DiCaprio "maliciously" cut and removed hedges; excavated "earth, granite and bedrock", destabilising their deck and swimming pool; and ignored their repeated requests to halt the 2004 construction.

They are suing for trespass, nuisance and negligence and are seeking $250,000 (£125,000) in compensation.

Los Angeles Judge Tricia Ann Bigelow, who is presiding over the proceedings, previously ruled the Linclaus’ initial lawsuit was inadequate and failed to prove DiCaprio did anything wrong.

They have since adjusted their lawsuit and on Thursday (27Mar08), Bigelow tentatively gave the case the go-ahead.

She branded the damage caused to the Linclaus’ property "potentially outrageous", adding that although the suit was not of "model clarity", it was clear enough to go to trial.

However, Bigelow will make the final ruling at a later court hearing - the date for which has yet to be disclosed.

Source pr-inside