Leonardo DiCaprio's neighbors want to sue the movie star because they say
he built a basketball court that destabilized their property, but a judge ruled
Thursday they must show more proof.
For the second time in three months, Superior Court Judge Tricia Ann Bigelow
said the complaint, which seeks at least 250,000 U.S. dollars in damages, isn't
complete enough to proceed.
"It seems to me that that the complaint is still uncertain," Bigelow said.
She gave Ronald and Joan Linclau 15 days to amend the complaint. If it is
accepted, it would go to trial July 21.
The Linclaus sued DiCaprio in May, alleging their Hollywood Hills property
was illegally excavated and some plants removed so he could have a basketball
court built at his rented home in 2004.
The lawsuit claims the work undermined a slope behind the couple's home and
left their deck and pool in danger of collapse. The judge said Thursday that the
suit failed to show DiCaprio caused the destabilization.
"I don't think he cut down the trees; he's probably busy doing some other
things," Bigelow said.
DiCaprio's court papers contend the problem may have been caused by the
Linclaus installing an "illegal railroad tie retaining wall."
The papers contend the Linclaus were "seeking a scapegoat for the potential
problems that they themselves created."
