- Fidji Simo is suing McLaren and BMF Media over an unauthorized event.
- Monterey County fined her $762k for violations, which have been paid in full pending appeal.
- The lawsuit alleges McLaren concealed the citation, allowing the event to proceed.
As Monterey Car Week approaches, automotive brands compete for the spotlight, often renting extravagant venues and hosting exclusive gatherings that attract car collectors and enthusiasts alike.
This year, an incident at one of these gatherings has raised eyebrows, highlighting the implications of event planning without proper permits. Fidji Simo, a prominent AI executive, claims that the British supercar manufacturer McLaren hosted a party at her home without the necessary permissions, resulting in a staggering $761,975 citation from Monterey County.
Understanding the Lawsuit
Fidji Simo, the CEO of Applications at OpenAI, is facing off against McLaren in court after the automaker allegedly used her upscale property, located at 22 Scarlett Rd, Carmel Valley, CA, without securing the required permits for the event.
The property, described as a luxurious French country chateau featuring four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and over 5,400 square feet of space, is valued between $6.16 million and $7.45 million according to Redfin.
This estate’s proximity—approximately 25 minutes—from key attractions at Monterey Car Week makes it an attractive venue for high-profile events. Nevertheless, the allure of such exclusivity comes with significant responsibility regarding event permits.
The Permit Misfires
Simo’s litigation contends that McLaren, along with BMF Media, failed to acquire proper permits for the gathering. On August 13, Monterey County officials imposed an initial fine of $505,000 against BMF Media for this violation.
The lawsuit states that employees of McLaren informed Simo’s property manager that the issue was “resolved.” However, they neglected to disclose information about the citation or the necessary permits, leading to an increased penalty that ultimately totaled nearly $762,000, which Simo and her husband were required to pay in full in adherence to county regulations to proceed with their appeal.
According to Simo’s legal representatives, McLaren and BMF Media intentionally concealed these issues out of fear that the homeowners would halt the remainder of the weeklong event. This has resulted in emotional distress, annoyance, and mental turmoil for Simo and her husband.
On October 30, Simo chose to withdraw her original lawsuit, indicating intentions to refile with additional defendants, suggesting that McLaren and BMF Media might not be the only parties implicated in this legal matter.
