An internationally renowned DJ is taking a builder to the High Court in a £200,000 legal battle, alleging that shoddy workmanship on his London home renovation left him unable to perform at major festivals including Glastonbury.
Ben Malone, who has shared stages with David Guetta and performed across the globe, claims builder Paul Stubbs's defective work caused such severe stress that it triggered a mental health crisis, effectively 'bricking' his ability to DJ during the crucial 2022 festival season.
The Allegations: A Dream Home Turned Nightmare
According to court documents, Mr Malone hired Mr Stubbs in August 2021 for a significant renovation of his West London property. The project, valued at approximately £140,000, was meant to create a perfect home and creative space. Instead, the DJ alleges it became a source of immense distress.
Mr Malone claims the builder's work was fundamentally flawed, citing issues with brickwork, faulty plumbing that led to leaks, and improperly installed electrical systems. The dispute escalated, culminating in the builder allegedly walking off the job before completion.
Festival Fallout: Missed Glastonbury and Beyond
The core of the £200,000 claim rests on the profound impact the situation had on Mr Malone's career. The stress and anxiety stemming from the building dispute allegedly manifested as a mental health condition, rendering him unable to perform.
This led to the cancellation of his scheduled appearance at the world-famous Glastonbury Festival in 2022, alongside other high-profile bookings. The lawsuit quantifies these lost earnings and significant reputational damage within the competitive music industry.
The Builder's Defence: A Counter-Narrative
In his defence, Paul Stubbs paints a different picture. He asserts that Mr Malone was a 'difficult' client who frequently changed his mind about the project's specifications, leading to delays and complications.
Mr Stubbs denies that his work was defective and argues that any alleged health problems suffered by the DJ were not a foreseeable consequence of a standard building contract. The case is now set for a trial where a judge will determine the outcome of this high-stakes disagreement.
