Chris Pine Ordered by Judge to Sit for Deposition

Actor Chris Pine has been embroiled in a legal back-and-forth with his neighbor for two years, and his reportedly busy schedule has proven to be a problem with moving the case forward. Now, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge is stepping in and giving the Poolman star an ultimatum. 

According to court documents obtained by In Touch, Pine has until Oct. 25 to be deposed in the legal battle with his neighbor after repeatedly postponing an appearance. Pine will be able to show up via Zoom if he's able to provide all the documents the neighbor is requesting. 

The woman, identified as entertainment lawyer Helen Yu, claimed she's been trying since January 2023 to pin down and confirm a date for Pine's deposition. She's so far given four separate notices but was told by his team in July that he'd be unavailable until October as he'd be busy filming a movie and enjoying some vacation time. With a November trial date hanging over them, Yu has been working to depose Pine. 

"Either [Pine] does not want to be deposed, or his counsel is attempting to get around the trial court’s ruling denying his most recent application to continue the trial by refusing to cooperate in scheduling [Pine’s] deposition and enabling discovery to be completed. In either case, the behavior is unacceptable," the document read. 

Related: Chris Pine on How Tom Cruise and Harrison Ford Inspired His Acting Career

It all started when Pine planted ficus benjamina plants in his yard, which Yu said caused issues for her on her property. She sued Pine for trespass, nuisance, and negligence last year and is seeking an unspecified amount in damages. 

"Ficus benjamina are known to have extremely invasive root systems," the complaint read. "Through action or inaction, [Pine has] unreasonably, negligently, or intentionally caused or allowed the root systems of [his trees] which were planted on the boundary line between the properties and encroach upon [Yu's home], causing substantial and ongoing damage to [Yu's home], including cracking of walls and substantial damages to the plumbing and pipes, pool, pool deck, and other areas of in or around [Yu's home], creating an unreasonably unsafe condition, and interfering with [Yu's] use and enjoyment of [her] property."

Pine denied any wrongdoing and countersued his neighbor claiming she put up a fence on their property line. "There is no consideration for [Pine's] availability," his lawyer said of his client's busy life. "[Pine] has not appeared at these depositions because of scheduling conflicts as he travels extensively because of his career."

The countdown is now on until the judge's Oct. 25 deposition deadline.