'MasterChef' judge Gary Mehigan is being sued by Melbourne businessman and project manager, Robert Pavlovic, who is insisting the renown chef as well his business partners, Steve Bogdani and Paul Romanella owes him $155,942 in unpaid invoices plus $12,031 in interest.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Mr Mehigan and his two partners are said to have a verbal agreement with Pavlovic to carry out construction works in the business partner's events space, Big Kitchen Events. In the writ, he claimed he worked at the project site from June to August 2014. But the owners of the business allegedly stopped on paying the builder in August.
However, Mr Mehigan representative insisted there are some extra expenditure of the construction remained unjustified and invoices went almost double beyond the agreed budget.
The representative also insisted the three business partners failed to receive receipts from the builder, including the suppliers and contractors receipts.
The business owners are said to contest the builder's accusation.
A spokeswoman for Mehigan said to Fairfax Media, "There is no issue over the fact that there was an outstanding account."
"The problem was the amount outstanding and that that wasn't approved or justified in any way, shape or form."
"Like anyone, you don't pay a bill unless there is justification - especially if it was way over the original quote," she added.
Mr Pavlovic is seeking $167,973 for the unpaid construction and additional $5,389 for the legal cost.
Mr Mehigan's catering and function company, Big Kitchen stated in their website. "64 Sutton is Melbourne's latest industrialised venue. A warehouse inspired event space located in the urban neighbourhood of North Melbourne. It incorporates functional spaces‚ full commercial kitchen facilities in one-of-a kind surrounding."
The company also promises "sophisticated comfort food" which is "designed by our very own Gary Mehigan," according to their site.
