Ohtani's Lawyers Move to Dismiss Hawaii $240M Real Estate Lawsuit

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his agent, Nez Balelo, have filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit accusing them of causing the removal of a Hawaii real estate investor and broker from a $240 million luxury housing development on the Big Island’s Hapuna Coast. The lawsuit, filed by developer Kevin J. Hayes Sr. and real estate broker Tomoko Matsumoto, alleges abuse of power resulting in tortious interference and unjust enrichment after they were dropped from the development deal by majority owner Kingsbarn Realty Capital. Ohtani's lawyers claim that Hayes and Matsumoto misused Ohtani's name, image, and likeness without authorization to promote their own side project, constituting NIL violations against Ohtani. They assert that Ohtani and Balelo were unaware of this misuse and that Balelo acted appropriately by protecting Ohtani’s rights and threatening legal action against the unauthorized use. Kingsbarn Realty Capital has called the allegations frivolous and without merit. Ohtani, a three-time MVP, continues to defend his reputation against these claims as the legal dispute unfolds.