The Idaho Mountain Express has been covering the lawsuit concerning a $2.5 million claim made by Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson regarding a home my construction company completed for them in July 2002.
Your reporting has been accurate; however, I would like to clear up a few misconceptions created by Mr. Hanks' New York City public relations firm making false statements to the Mountain Express.
The PR statement accused us of using "harassment tactics," by "barging onto our property at 7:00 a.m. with five pickup trucks without prior notice or permission."
This statement is a flat-out fabrication.
Here are the facts:
On June 12 they wrote and told us that demolition was about to begin and invited us to come and inspect. We did give prior notice when we sent a letter on June 27, telling them we would visit the property on June 30. This is what their lawyers requested us to do.
I arrived with five of my employees (three men and two women) at 9 a.m., not 7 a.m., at the property's very large, electronically-operated, solid metal gate and rang the speaker, alerting the guard to our presence. He arrived at the gate along with the caretaker—both of whom were courteous and professional, just as my employees and I were—and told us we would not be allowed entry.
We left without any incident, and without entry, let alone "barging onto the property." No one harassed anyone.
The judge in this case has ordered that Hanks and Wilson provide us with a list of specific defects. We've asked for the list repeatedly, to no avail.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson—through their four law firms and publicist—accuse of building an "unsound roof." We built the couple's home and roof following the exact specifications provided by their architect. What has not been highlighted in the press is that Hanks and his legal team are suing the architect for the same "defects" they are accusing my company of creating.
I am a longstanding member of this community, and Hanks' and Wilson's false accusations weigh heavily on me, on my family and my employees. In 2003, the arbitrators ruled that my company's claims for money owed were 100 percent valid, while Hanks' claims were dismissed and Hanks was awarded $0 for the alleged "substandard and defective" work. Four years later, they renew their battle, apparently not willing to accept the arbitration decision or Judge Elgee's recent decision that Hanks and Wilson's latest claims are barred. I am confident we will prevail and I appreciate everyone knowing the true story and what we are up against.
Gary Storey
Ketchum
