Ant Anstead Faces Legal Battles Over Radford Motors Bankruptcy and Rental Property Lawsuit

The TV host and mechanic has been embroiled in fraud claims, a custom car lawsuit, and a rental property dispute with Renee Zellweger.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ant Anstead, the TV host and co-founder of the revived British automaker Radford Motors, has faced a series of legal troubles in recent years. Anstead and his business partner Jenson Button have been accused of fraud and mismanagement at Radford Motors, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024 and later transitioned to a Chapter 7 liquidation. Anstead has also been sued by a customer who claimed he never received a custom car he paid a $101,000 deposit for, leading to a default judgment against Anstead and Button. Additionally, Anstead and his girlfriend Renee Zellweger were sued by a guest who allegedly fell at their rented Laguna Beach property, with the landlord also filing a countersuit against the couple.

Why it matters

Anstead's legal troubles highlight the challenges of running a startup automotive company and the risks of high-profile business partnerships. The cases also showcase the potential liability issues that can arise from renting out a property. These stories provide insight into the complexities and pitfalls that celebrities and entrepreneurs can face when navigating the business world.

The details

The legal issues facing Ant Anstead span several fronts. In 2024, an attorney who had worked for Radford Motors accused Anstead and the company's CFO of mismanaging funds, claiming they used company money for personal expenses. Radford Motors filed a counterclaim against the attorney and others. That same year, a customer sued Anstead, Button, and Radford Motors, alleging he paid a $101,000 deposit for a custom car that was never delivered. In 2025, a judge ordered Anstead and Button to pay the customer over $119,000 in damages, though the pair claimed they were never properly served. Radford Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024, and the case was later converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation. Separately, Anstead and his girlfriend Renee Zellweger were sued by a guest who claimed she was injured in a fall at their rented Laguna Beach property, with the landlord also filing a countersuit against the couple.

  • In July 2024, an attorney accused Anstead and Radford Motors' CFO of mismanaging funds.
  • In July 2024, a customer sued Anstead, Button, and Radford Motors over an unpaid $101,000 deposit.
  • In September 2025, a judge ordered Anstead and Button to pay the customer over $119,000 in damages.
  • In October 2024, Radford Motors filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
  • In May 2025, Radford Motors' bankruptcy case was converted to a Chapter 7 liquidation.

The players

Ant Anstead

A TV host and co-founder of Radford Motors, a British automaker he revived in 2020.

Jenson Button

A retired Formula One race car driver and Anstead's business partner in Radford Motors.

Daniel Bednarski

The chief financial officer of Radford Motors.

Timothy Tasker

A customer who sued Anstead, Button, and Radford Motors over an unpaid $101,000 deposit for a custom car.

Renee Zellweger

Anstead's girlfriend, who was named in a lawsuit over a guest's fall at their rented Laguna Beach property.

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What they’re saying

“These are the same two people who looked my client in the eye and promised to build him a car and took $100,000 from him. They never even started a car and still have his $100,000. So I would urge you not to give much weight to statements contending my client and my firm were deceptive in any way.”

— Tom Vance, Lawyer for Timothy Tasker (Us Weekly)

“Radford is implementing strategic organizational enhancements while maintaining full operational continuity. I remain fully committed to advancing Radford's vision and growth.”

— Ant Anstead (People)

What’s next

The judge in the rental property lawsuit between Anstead, Zellweger, and the landlord is scheduled to hold a jury trial in June 2026.

The takeaway

Ant Anstead's legal troubles underscore the risks and challenges that can arise for celebrities and entrepreneurs when running a business, from allegations of financial mismanagement to lawsuits from unsatisfied customers. These cases highlight the importance of proper oversight, transparency, and risk management when launching and operating a high-profile company.