Lambo Guy" Adrian Portelli Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Former South Australian Minister

Australian billionaire Adrian Portelli, widely known as "Lambo Guy," has launched a defamation lawsuit against former South Australian minister Andrea Michaels over comments she made about him and his membership-based rewards company, LMCT+.

The case was first heard in the South Australian Supreme Court on Friday and centers on claims that Michaels' public statements damaged Portelli's reputation and business image.

What Sparked the Legal Battle?

The controversy dates back to a prize giveaway involving homes featured on the television show The Block. LMCT+ offered members entries into the draw through paid memberships that also included perks such as discounts and special offers.

A South Australian woman was announced as the winner of a $3.5 million home, but a major issue soon emerged. Under South Australia's strict gaming regulations, residents can join the membership program but are not legally eligible to win prize draws or giveaways.

Michaels, who was serving as Minister for Consumer and Business Affairs at the time, publicly described the situation as "awful" and "terrible."

She also reportedly stated that the company had accepted money from South Australian customers despite not being licensed to operate a lottery in the state.

Key Claims in the Lawsuit

According to court documents, Portelli argues that Michaels' comments suggested he:

• Knowingly accepted money from people who could never legally win
• Operated unlicensed lotteries
• Misled consumers
• Acted dishonestly or fraudulently

His legal team claims the remarks were widely shared through newspapers, television broadcasts, and other media outlets, causing significant harm to his public image.

The lawsuit also points to negative social media reactions that followed, including comments labeling Portelli a scammer and calling for investigations into his wealth and business activities.

Portelli's lawyers further claim the backlash became so severe that he received death threats.

Portelli's Response

Portelli has consistently maintained that LMCT+ operates within the law and has previously stated that the company employs a dedicated compliance team to ensure its prize promotions meet legal requirements.

His attorney, Omar Juweinat, declined to discuss specific evidence or potential damages being sought, saying the matter is now before the court.

"The material filed in the proceedings speaks for itself, and my client looks forward to the matter being determined according to law," Juweinat said.

Michaels has not publicly commented on the lawsuit.

Separate Lottery Case Already Decided

The dispute comes after a separate legal battle involving LMCT+ and alleged illegal lottery operations between January 2023 and May 2024.

Earlier this year:

• LMCT+ was fined $40,000
• Adrian Portelli was found not guilty

Despite the legal scrutiny, rewards clubs like LMCT+ have grown rapidly across Australia, attracting members with prize giveaways, discounts, and exclusive benefits.

A Growing Business Empire

What began as a rewards club has expanded into several ventures. Alongside prize promotions, LMCT+ now offers member-focused services and has opened a fuel station selling gasoline at cost price to members. The company is also planning to launch a supermarket later this year.

Portelli has remained a prominent public figure as well. Recently, he co-hosted the Channel Seven renovation series My Reno Rules with veterinarian Chris Brown. The show promoted what it called the largest viewer giveaway in Australian television history, directing viewers to LMCT+ memberships that included complimentary prize draw entries.

Compensation for the Disqualified Winner

Although the South Australian woman could not legally claim the $3.5 million home, Portelli later personally offered her $100,000 as compensation.

The defamation lawsuit remains ongoing, with the court expected to determine whether Michaels' comments crossed the line into unlawful damage to Portelli's reputation.