From celebrity mansion disputes to lawsuits over gym memberships, the Aug. 23 episode of Radio Law Talk spanned everything from Hollywood real estate drama to consumer-protection crackdowns.
Host Frederick W. Penney, a prominent California personal injury attorney of Penney & Associates, was joined by co-hosts Denise Dirks and Todd Kuhnen for a lively mix of case updates, courtroom twists, and the always-entertaining “Case or No Case”.
Kohberger: Complaints from Jail
The show opened with an update on Idaho murder defendant Bryan Kohberger. Reports described him raising concerns about jail conditions, a move the panel suggested is common for high-profile inmates trying to build a record of grievances before trial. While the details drew attention, the consensus was clear: such complaints rarely generate public sympathy when the charges themselves are so severe.
Katy Perry’s Mansion Lawsuit
One of the most colorful discussions centered on Katy Perry’s ongoing mansion dispute, now in the damages phase after a finding that the home’s seller misrepresented the property. Perry is seeking $4.8 million, citing structural defects, deferred maintenance, mold, and lost rental income.
The case took on a Hollywood twist when it was revealed the property had been rented to actor Chris Pratt. That raised questions about whether Perry’s claim of “lost rents” holds water.
As Penney put it: “Apparently Katy Perry is now saying… we’re finding there’s all kinds of problems with this house… she’s seeking $4.8 million in damages.” He noted that the judge was intent on keeping the proceeding focused, adding: “We’re not going to make this into a Hollywood circus…what’s the purpose of bringing in him? Why do we need Chris Pratt?”
The discussion highlighted how celebrity cases can blur the lines between contract law, property disputes, and public perception.
FTC vs. LA Fitness: The Fight Over ‘Click to Cancel’
Consumer protection took the spotlight with news that the FTC is suing LA Fitness over allegations that it trapped customers in unwanted recurring fees through cumbersome cancellation procedures. Thousands of complaints described in-person-only cancellations, manager sign-off requirements, and other hurdles.
Penney summarized the allegations: “The FTC said that LA Fitness has charged consumers hundreds of millions of dollars in unwanted recurring fees as a result of basically cumbersome cancellation policies.”
The panel then explored how California’s “click to cancel” law intersects with the FTC’s broader rulemaking. They even pulled up LA Fitness’s website live on air, observing how difficult it was to find a straightforward cancellation path. The takeaway: whether through state law or federal oversight, gyms and subscription services nationwide may soon face far stricter requirements for letting customers opt out.
Donna Adelson Trial: Jury Chosen
The episode also touched on the closely watched Donna Adelson case in Florida. Adelson is accused in connection with a murder-for-hire plot that has already drawn national headlines. The panel noted that jury selection is complete and the trial is officially underway.
Penney captured the strangeness of the case: “This is a bizarre case out of Florida… about a dentist, a divorce, a sister, a mother, a father, and child custody.”
The update set the stage for what promises to be one of the more dramatic trials of the year.
Case or No Case: Auto Parts vs. Electronics
For lighter fare, the show’s recurring game Case or No Case featured a dispute between an auto-parts company and an electronics retailer sharing the same name. The twist: it was a real case, and the electronics chain won, forcing the auto company to change its name.
Penney used the example to explain how trademark law doesn’t always stop overlapping names: “Just because you have the same name, if you’re in a different genre or area of business, you can a lot of times have the same name.”
The segment balanced humor with education, giving listeners a clearer sense of how intellectual property law plays out in practice.
Wrapping Up
The Aug. 23 broadcast showcased Radio Law Talk’s range — moving from headline-making trials to consumer lawsuits to quirky hypotheticals in a single two-hour stretch. By mixing practical legal insight with approachable commentary, the program once again showed why it has built a loyal following among listeners curious about the law in action.
Schedule a Free Consultation
In addition to hosting Radio Law Talk, Fred Penney leads Penney & Associates, a leading California Personal Injury Law Firm. Since 1992, the firm has represented thousands of clients across the state. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact Penney & Associates today for a free consultation.
