Welp, it looks like Judge Mathis will soon find himself on the other side of the courtroom as he’s being sued for allegedly threatening to shoot a man!
According to a lawsuit filed by Ricardo Acosta, a worker for the L.A. Department of Water and Power, the incident with the television personality took place in July 2023 outside Mathis’ home, per TMZ. Mr. Acosta claims he was working in the area when Mathis noticed a parked dump truck blocking his way while attempting to pull his vehicle out of the garage. Acosta alleges that the judge began shouting at him, demanding he “move the f***** truck out of the way.”
Apparently, Mathis became so enraged that he got out of his car and positioned himself behind the truck. Although Acosta was being yelled at, he claims to have been concerned for Mathis’ safety and even instructed him to move from behind the vehicle, fearing that the truck might roll backward as it was parked on an incline. However, he alleges that the judge responded, “I don’t give a f***, run me over and see what happens.” Mathis also allegedly said, “I will bust a cap… you wanna f*** with me?” Acosta also recalls Mathis saying, “I’ll bust a cap,” before getting back into his car and driving off.
As a result of that incident, Acosta is now suing Mathis not only for assault and intentional infliction but also for emotional distress. He’s looking to hit Mathis’ pockets for damages over the alleged threats and distress caused by the entire ordeal.
What Has Judge Mathis Said About This Legal Filing?
While he hasn’t publicly spoken out on this legal matter, Mathis’ attorney, Anahita Sedaghatfar, spoke with TMZ and stated that Acosta’s version of events is inaccurate and contradicts the facts. Furthermore, Sedaghatfar also described his claims as an attempt to extort her client for financial gain.
“This unfiled complaint that has been conveniently publicly circulated is a last-ditch attempt by Mr. Acosta to extort my client Judge Mathis for financial gain,” Sedaghatfar told TMZ. “Mr. Acosta’s recitation of the ‘facts’ simply do not comport with what actually transpired during the incident, which occurred over one year ago.”
She added, “The LAPD did not even investigate Mr. Acosta’s claims, which speaks to their lack of merit. Should Mr. Acosta pursue this lawsuit, we will not only vigorously defend the case, we will file cross claims against Mr. Acosta for his illegal conduct and repeated defamation of my client.”
