An OpenAI executive is taking McLaren Automotive to court, claiming the supercar brand’s flashy Monterey Car Week gathering at her luxury Carmel Valley estate left her holding the bag for a massive six-figure penalty. Fidji Simo, who leads product at OpenAI, and her husband, Remy Miralles, have filed suit accusing McLaren and marketing agency BMF Media of pulling off a lavish event without the proper permits—and leaving them stuck with the fallout.
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According to the complaint, McLaren paid to take over the couple’s nine-acre, French-inspired property for a week of high-profile parties during Monterey Car Week last August. The deal reportedly included assurances that the automaker and its partners would secure all required permits. But when county officials showed up on August 13, they found the approvals weren’t in place and issued a staggering $505,000 fine on the spot.
The lawsuit claims BMF Media knew the permitting hadn’t been completed but concealed the issue to avoid jeopardizing the event. Simo and Miralles say they were repeatedly told the matter was being handled, only to discover later that Monterey County increased the penalty to $761,975—a sum they were required to pay upfront before they could even challenge it.
The couple paid the full amount in September and now allege fraud, breach of contract, and intentional misrepresentation. They also say event staff ignored restrictions meant to protect the property, compounding the damage and stress. Their home, valued at more than $6 million and located at 22 Scarlett Road, sits just minutes from the epicenter of Monterey’s annual automotive festivities.
The dispute has since shifted to federal court, with the plaintiffs seeking reimbursement for the fines along with additional damages tied to broken agreements and emotional distress. Although Simo’s legal team withdrew the initial filing earlier this month, reports suggest a new version is being prepared—potentially broadening the list of defendants involved in the unpermitted Car Week affair.
