Nicki Minaj Faces $20M Mansion Seizure, Judge Orders Sale Over Unpaid Assault Judgment
Nicki Minaj faces three active lawsuits as of December 2025: a security guard assault case threatening her $20 million mansion, a former tour manager’s battery lawsuit, and a $10 million defamation suit. The most pressing development involves Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Cindy Pánuco signaling intent to force the sale of Minaj’s Hidden Hills home to satisfy an unpaid $503,318 judgment, with a critical hearing scheduled for January 22, 2026.
What Is the Security Guard Lawsuit Against Nicki Minaj?
Thomas Weidenmuller filed suit against Nicki Minaj and her husband Kenneth Petty in 2022 over a 2019 incident in Frankfurt, Germany. Weidenmuller, who worked security during Minaj’s concert, claims Petty attacked him from behind and punched him in the face after he intervened in an argument between Minaj and a female security guard. He alleges Minaj threw a shoe at him before the assault occurred.
Weidenmuller states the attack left him with a broken jaw requiring multiple surgeries. Court documents reveal he now has five plates in his jaw and required donor bone grafts while awaiting permanent implants. He originally sought $21,000 for medical bills and $700,000 for emotional distress and ongoing injuries.
What Is the Most Recent Court Ruling?
On November 24, 2025, Judge Cindy Pánuco indicated she intends to grant Weidenmuller’s motion to force the sale of Minaj’s mansion. During the hearing, she stated: “My tentative is to grant this. I just want to make sure we’re getting it right.”
The judge awarded Weidenmuller $503,318 through a default judgment after Minaj and Petty failed to respond to the lawsuit. Weidenmuller’s legal team claims they made multiple unsuccessful attempts to collect the judgment since April 2024, including sending levy notices to Apple, UMG, Capitol Records, and Live Nation.
The only outstanding document needed is a Bank of America statement showing Minaj’s mortgage payments on the $13.3 million loan since October 2022 and daily interest accrual. Judge Pánuco scheduled a follow-up hearing for January 22, 2026, to finalize the ruling.
How Much Could Nicki Minaj Lose?
The Hidden Hills mansion, purchased for $19.5 million in October 2022, currently holds an appraised value of $20 million. Court documents indicate:
- Outstanding mortgage: $13,258,000
- Homestead exemption (Minaj’s entitlement as sole owner): $722,151
- Estimated proceeds after sale: Approximately $6 million
- Amount needed to satisfy judgment: $503,318
Weidenmuller’s application states: “There is no doubt that the sale of the dwelling would satisfy the entire judgment, with millions to spare.”
What Is the Brandon Garrett Assault Lawsuit?
On January 3, 2025, Brandon Garrett filed suit against Minaj for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Garrett, who served as day-to-day manager on Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 World Tour, alleges she physically attacked him backstage at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on April 21, 2024.
Court documents detail the confrontation began when Minaj summoned Garrett to her dressing room with eight staff members present. She questioned why Garrett delegated prescription pickup to hospitality manager Luke Montgomery. Garrett explains he assigned the task because he was occupied assisting Minaj with quick changes during performances.
According to the complaint, Minaj became “visibly upset” and “angrily screamed” at Garrett, stating: “Are you fucking crazy having him pick up my prescription?” and “If my husband was here, he would knock out your fucking teeth.” The lawsuit alleges she threatened: “You just fucked up your whole life and you will never be anyone, I’ll make sure of it.”
The suit claims Minaj “open-handedly struck [Garrett] on the right side of his face, causing his head to swing backwards as his hat flew off his head.” Garrett also alleges she hit his right wrist, leaving it “throbbing.”
After the alleged assault, Garrett states he locked himself in a bathroom for several hours. He received notice from former manager Deb Antney that he would not be joining the tour bus to Chicago. Garrett took an Uber to Detroit airport and filed a police report.
What Is Nicki Minaj’s Response to the Garrett Lawsuit?
Minaj’s attorney Judd Burstein issued a statement calling the lawsuit “completely false and frivolous.” He stated: “We are confident that the matter brought by this ex assistant will be resolved swiftly in Mrs. Petty’s favor.”
On January 6, 2025, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office denied a warrant request from Detroit police, citing “insufficient evidence to prove that a crime has been committed.” This decision means Minaj will not face criminal charges related to the alleged incident.
What Is the Tameer Peak Defamation Lawsuit?
Former superfan Tameer Peak filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Minaj in September 2025. Peak alleges Minaj publicly humiliated him during an April 2024 Stationhead broadcast by calling him “one sandwich short of a picnic” and suggesting he “clearly gets a check from the government.”
Peak originally filed the lawsuit in New Jersey, where it was dismissed. Attorney Judd Burstein successfully obtained the dismissal. Peak then refiled the case in New York federal court.
Why Did Nicki Minaj’s Lawyer Drop Her?
On November 3, 2025, Judd Burstein abruptly withdrew from representing Minaj in the Peak defamation case. Burstein explained to Us Weekly: “After I won a dismissal of Tameer Peak’s defamation lawsuit against Nicki in New Jersey, I declined the opportunity to represent her when Peak refiled it in New York.”
He emphasized his decision was “unrelated to any concern about the merits of Peak’s claims” and stated he maintains “great affection and respect for Nicki.” Burstein previously represented Minaj successfully in multiple cases, including dismissing a $20 million lawsuit in 2022 and obtaining a gag order in a 2024 defamation case.
The Northstar Group, Minaj’s business management company, informed the court they only learned about the lawsuit the week of Burstein’s withdrawal. They stated: “That same day, Mr. Burstein abruptly withdrew entirely from his representation of [Minaj and her company], without giving any prior notice.”
What Is the Current Status of the Peak Lawsuit?
The court granted Minaj 45 days to secure new legal representation after Burstein’s withdrawal. She must provide a progress update by December 13, 2025, and finalize her new counsel by December 28, 2025.
Peak moved for a default judgment, arguing Minaj willfully ignored the lawsuit. The court denied Peak’s motion, finding Minaj moved promptly after the default was entered and demonstrated “good cause” for missing the original deadline. The judge paused proceedings to allow Minaj time to hire new counsel and prepare her defense.
Who Is Affected by These Lawsuits?
Thomas Weidenmuller: Security guard seeking to collect $503,318 judgment for alleged 2019 assault injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment and jaw reconstruction.
Brandon Garrett: Former tour manager seeking damages for alleged April 2024 assault, battery, and emotional distress during Pink Friday 2 tour.
Tameer Peak: Former fan seeking $10 million for alleged defamation during public broadcast.
Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty: Facing potential loss of $20 million mansion, defending against assault claims, and managing multiple legal proceedings without longtime counsel.
What Do Similar Cases Reveal?
Default judgments frequently occur when defendants fail to respond to lawsuits. Courts can order property sales to satisfy judgments when other collection methods fail. The security guard case demonstrates how ignoring legal proceedings can escalate from a lawsuit to forced asset liquidation.
Celebrity assault and battery cases typically settle before trial. The Wayne County Prosecutor’s decision to decline criminal charges in the Garrett case shows the higher burden of proof required for criminal versus civil proceedings. Civil cases require a preponderance of evidence, while criminal cases demand proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Defamation lawsuits against public figures require plaintiffs to prove actual malice—that the defendant made false statements knowing they were false or with reckless disregard for truth. Peak faces this heightened standard in proving his claims against Minaj.
What Are the Key Upcoming Dates?
December 13, 2025: Minaj must provide progress update on securing new counsel in Peak defamation case.
December 28, 2025: Deadline for Minaj to finalize new legal representation in Peak case.
January 22, 2026: Critical hearing where Judge Pánuco will review final Bank of America mortgage documentation and likely rule on forcing the sale of Minaj’s Hidden Hills mansion.
What Are the Potential Outcomes?
Security Guard Case: If Judge Pánuco orders the mansion sale, the property will be auctioned. Proceeds will first satisfy the $13.3 million mortgage and Minaj’s $722,151 homestead exemption. Remaining funds will pay Weidenmuller’s $503,318 judgment, with any surplus returning to Minaj. Alternative resolution could involve Minaj paying the judgment directly before the January hearing.
Garrett Lawsuit: Case will proceed through discovery and potentially settlement negotiations or trial. Prosecutors declined criminal charges, but civil case continues with lower burden of proof.
Peak Lawsuit: Once Minaj secures new counsel, case will move through discovery phase. Minaj can file motion to dismiss or answer the complaint. Peak must prove actual malice to prevail on defamation claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nicki Minaj lawsuit about?
Minaj faces three separate lawsuits: a security guard seeking to force the sale of her mansion over an unpaid $503,318 judgment from a 2019 assault case, a former tour manager’s assault and battery lawsuit, and a $10 million defamation suit from a former fan.
What are the most recent developments in the Nicki Minaj lawsuit?
On November 24, 2025, a Los Angeles judge indicated intent to order the sale of Minaj’s $20 million mansion, with a final decision expected January 22, 2026. Her longtime lawyer withdrew from the defamation case in November 2025, and prosecutors declined criminal charges in the assault case on January 6, 2025.
When was the security guard lawsuit filed?
Thomas Weidenmuller filed the lawsuit in 2022, three years after the alleged 2019 incident in Frankfurt, Germany. He won a default judgment in April 2024 when Minaj and Petty failed to respond.
What court is handling the mansion sale case?
Los Angeles Superior Court, with Judge Cindy Pánuco presiding.
How much does Nicki Minaj owe in the security guard case?
The court awarded Weidenmuller $503,318 for medical expenses, ongoing injuries, and emotional distress—reduced from his original request of approximately $721,000.
What is Kenneth Petty’s role in these lawsuits?
Kenneth Petty, Minaj’s husband, is co-defendant in the security guard lawsuit. Weidenmuller alleges Petty physically assaulted him in 2019 while Minaj allegedly directed and participated in the incident.
Can Nicki Minaj avoid losing her mansion?
Yes. Minaj can pay the $503,318 judgment directly before the January 22, 2026 hearing. The forced sale only proceeds if she fails to satisfy the judgment through other means.
This article was last updated December 22, 2025. Court proceedings remain ongoing. Information based on court documents, official statements, and credible legal news sources.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
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