A man in possession of a unique and secluded home in the Hollywood Hills in 2022, who had his image used for an advertisement promoting the Netflix series “Buying Beverly Hills,” claims that the subscription video service is attempting to avoid responsibility by invoking free speech in their motion to dismiss.
Aharon Dihno, along with his twin 4-year-old sons and his partner, filed a lawsuit in the Los Angeles Superior Court, alleging that the ad published by Netflix last September resulted in unwanted visitors and real estate agents, and violated their privacy rights and caused emotional distress.
The ad promoted “Buying Beverly Hills,” a reality TV show showcasing the daily activities of The Agency, a real estate company specializing in high-end properties, with a focus on their Beverly Hills office. The Agency is also named as a co-defendant in the lawsuit.
Lawyers representing Netflix argue that the claims against their client lack merit and infringe upon the company’s right to free speech under the state’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law, which aims to prevent individuals from using the legal system to intimidate those exercising their First Amendment rights.
However, in their court filings made to Judge Barbara M. Scheper, Dihno’s lawyers assert that Netflix is using the anti-SLAPP statutes as a means to evade accountability.
“Netflix’s actions towards the Dihnos are illogical and immoral,” state the Dihno attorneys in their court documents. “As a result, the Dihnos have been subjected to harassment, intrusion, trespassing, and the invasion of numerous individuals and agents seeking a glimpse of the ‘celebrity’ home.”
In a sworn statement opposing the anti-SLAPP motion, Dihno recounts an incident where a woman repeatedly rang his doorbell in October, under the belief that the house was for sale based on the Netflix ad.
“At the time, my partner, our children, and I were inside the house and feared for our safety,” Dihno states. “I had no choice but to call the police. They eventually arrived and removed the woman from the premises.”
Dihno describes how his family was traumatized by the woman’s visit and reveals that others have also come to their home, even attempting to climb the fence to get a glimpse inside.
“My family and I now live in constant fear of strangers demanding entry into our home, or even forcibly entering,” expresses Dihno.
Last fall, Dihno’s neighbors became upset as celebrity bus tours started bringing people to see his home, with drivers informing passengers that it was the one featured on “Buying Beverly Hills,” according to Dihno.
“Our neighbors grew so angry and filed numerous complaints that I eventually had to position my car in the middle of the street to prevent the buses from passing by my house,” Dihno reveals.
Dihno adds that real estate agents consistently call, expressing interest in representing him and his family in selling their home, despite the fact that they have no intention of listing it for sale.
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