What was the threat?
Bobby Saadian does not deny sending the November 2024 messages relied on in the motion to compel. In his August 2026 declaration, he acknowledged the messages and characterized the litigation-funding statement as an “empty threat.”
The Last thing you want is for me to join them in a lawsuit against you.”Quoted in the Trustee's filed motion and reply.Read the full text of the reply →
Read the full text of the declaration →
What did he say caused it?
Saadian's own declaration identifies the separate 660 Figueroa commission dispute as the catalyst for the November messages.
Open related 660 Fig case site ↗
Why is a deposition sought?
The Trustee's reply takes a narrow position: calling the threat “empty” does not resolve the relevant questions. It creates subjects for examination under oath.
What did he know?
The reply argues that Saadian's statement that he was “aware” of supposed abuse of Jonah and Brandon justifies questions about what he believed had occurred and where that information came from.
Who did he communicate with?
The reply seeks examination concerning communications with Jonah, Brandon, and others relating to the removal litigation and the grievances Saadian referenced.
Was anything done?
The reply argues that the Trustee is entitled to ask whether funding, joining the litigation, legal assistance, strategy, referrals, or other participation has actually been discussed or undertaken.
Read the full text of the reply →
Status: The Trustee's motion to compel remains pending. On August 27, 2026, the court found the motion had not been calendared by the Probate Clerk's Office, restored it to the calendar, and set it for hearing on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Department 244. Read the minute order text →
In plain English
Court filings
The principal court-filed documents relied upon on this page are linked below. Each is available as a complete transcription and as the filed PDF. The filed documents remain the controlling record.
Search the court docket (Case No. 23STPB12471) ↗Trustee's Motion to Compel
The Trustee's motion for an order compelling Bobby Saadian's compliance with the deposition subpoena, with supporting declarations and Exhibits A–I, including the November 2024 text messages and the process server's account of serving Saadian.
Read the full text of the motion →Read the full text of the separate statement →Read the filed motion (PDF, 60 pages) →Separate statement (PDF, 4 pages) →Declaration of Bobby Saadian
Includes the “empty threat” characterization and the statement that the 660 Figueroa commission dispute was the catalyst.
Read the full text →Read the filed document (PDF) →Bobby Saadian's Opposition
Sets out the arguments against the motion to compel, including lack of relevant knowledge and burden.
Read the full text →Read the filed document (PDF) →Declaration of John Lucas
Saadian’s counsel’s declaration filed with the opposition, recounting the meet-and-confer history, with the prior subpoena objections and counsel correspondence attached as exhibits.
Read the full text →Read the filed document (PDF) →Trustee's Reply
Explains why the “empty threat” explanation supports examination rather than eliminating it.
Read the full text →Read the filed document (PDF) →Minute Order (August 27, 2026)
The court restored the motion to the calendar after finding it had not been calendared by the clerk's office, and set the hearing for November 16, 2026.
Read the minute order text →660 Figueroa First Amended Complaint
The separate civil complaint containing the detailed chronology concerning the $44 million acquisition and disputed commission.
Open related case site ↗Related 660 Figueroa lawsuit
The commission case has its own public-record site.