Ant Anstead’s car company bankrupt amid fraud allegations

Ant Anstead’s automotive venture faces significant challenges as Radford Motors has filed for bankruptcy following serious allegations of fraud. The filing occurred on October 10, marking a pivotal moment for the luxury car manufacturer co-founded by Anstead in 2020. Co-founder Daniel Bednarski confirmed the news, stating to the media that Radford is now undergoing a Chapter 11 reorganization aimed at implementing strategic changes to solidify its future. He indicated that ownership changes may take place but did not specify if they would involve himself or Anstead.

Ant Anstead, best known for his television roles, is entangled in a legal quagmire that has deepened over the past year. Accusations against him and Bednarski stem from a lawsuit filed by a former collaborator, Pastor Pat Velasco, who is claiming $2 million in damages. The situation escalated in July when another ex-partner, Roger N. Behle Jr., claimed that Anstead and Bednarski mishandled the company’s finances. Behle’s allegations detail a troubling transaction where nearly $55,000 from a client deposit was allegedly diverted to pay unrelated vendor expenses and personal payments.

Despite the turmoil, Bednarski expressed optimism about Radford’s future and reiterated the company’s commitment to luxury craftsmanship. He emphasized that this restructuring effort is crucial for Radford to meet environmental expectations and evolve in the luxury vehicle sector. Co-founded by Anstead and the Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, Radford Motors had positioned itself as a creator of bespoke vehicles.

Anstead, who is currently navigating a high-profile romance with actress Renée Zellweger following his divorce from Christina Hall, has not publicly commented on these serious developments or the lawsuits confronting him. He had previously admitted that embarking on the Radford journey posed significant risks, highlighting their reliance on private funding and a small team. As the legal battles continue to unfold, the future of Anstead’s automotive ambitions remains uncertain.