James Harden seeks to overturn $1.35 million verdict over Beverly Hills mansion lease

NBA guard James Harden is asking a Los Angeles judge to overturn a March 2025 jury verdict that ordered him to pay $900,000 in punitive damages and $450,000 in compensatory damages to homeowner George Santopietro. The dispute stems from a 2019 short‑term lease of a Beverly Hills residence for $82,200, which limited occupancy to seven overnight guests. Santopietro alleged Harden hosted more than 15 people, caused property damage and triggered complaints from the homeowners association. A jury found Harden liable for fraud and imposed the damages. Harden’s attorneys, together with a management company, argue that the guest‑limit applied only to overnight stays, that there is no evidence of malice, and that the verdict ignores uncontradicted testimony. They have filed a motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and, if denied, request a new trial. The hearing on the motion is set for August 3. Harden, now with the Los Angeles Clippers, maintains that the lawsuit is an attempt to extort money.