Los Angeles is no stranger to luxury homes, but the recent plight of two abandoned mansions owned by John Powers Middleton, the son of the Philadelphia Phillies owner, is turning heads for all the wrong reasons. The properties, situated high above the city in the famed Hollywood Hills, have become dilapidated symbols of neglect, overrun by vandals and squatters alike.
Following numerous reports of vandalism, including graffiti splashed across the walls and persistent squatter presence, Middleton took to social media to issue an apology to the city of Los Angeles and the neighbors who have had to witness the degradation. "What’s happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and no matter what caused it, I own the houses," he stated, expressing his remorse over the situation. It's worth mentioning this mess didn't just come out of the blue; both mansions have been sitting empty for years.
Middleton's Mulholland Drive property has faced scrutiny since its purchase back in 2012. The mansion is no ordinary estate; it boasts six bedrooms, four stories, and even has its own swimming pool, all overlooking the sprawling metropolis below. Yet instead of exuberance, the property has become synonymous with distress, marked by graffiti, broken glass, and neglect.
Officials have stepped in after residents voiced their concerns, advocating for accountability from property owners. Los Angeles Councilmember Nithya Raman's office condemned Middleton’s lack of action, labeling it as “an egregious violation of the law.” The properties have attracted squatters, and local residents have expressed distress over the growing crime and social issues tied to these unsightly blights. "This is not just about aesthetics; it’s about public safety and community integrity," declared Raman, emphasizing the importance of responsible property ownership.
The situation escalated earlier this September when police arrested two individuals linked to the vandalism at the Mulholland Drive mansion. The duo was apprehended after allegedly spray-painting the property and attempting to flee the scene. Returned to the police station, they were found with spray cans and, alarmingly, a loaded unregistered firearm—highlighting the urgent need for increased security measures at the site.
While Middleton previously employed security teams to safeguard his properties, he admitted the plans were insufficient against the scale of vandalism and squatter activity. With those efforts failing to yield results, he’s recently ramped up security to 24/7 armed guards, hoping this will finally put an end to the chaos.
Just to give you some idea of how wild things have gotten: residents report frequent break-ins, prompting local officials to take additional action. The city of Los Angeles had, during September, erected fencing around the Mulholland Drive property, and the police have kept regular patrols to curb the influx of troublemakers.
Deemed public safety risks, the abandoned homes have now drawn significant attention not just from local media, but also from the community at large. Frequent visitors have taken to the area to snap photos of the once-thriving estates, charitably dubbed the “graffiti mansions.” One notable tag, incredibly, reads “Diddy was here,” reflecting the house's history as the backdrop for various celebrity events, including music videos featuring Sean Combs.
It seems the viral status of these homes has only fueled the vandalism, drawing even more curious onlookers seeking to document their decline. Middleton emphasized, "No one should have to put up with squatters and vandalism, and I intend to repay any taxpayer funds used for the cleanup and protection of the properties." he said, trying to take responsibility for the issue.
Meanwhile, the drama continues to unfurl. City crews have been working diligently, as reported, to scrub away the layers of spray paint covering the walls, but the attempts have often been futile; just days after cleaning, fresh tags would reappear, showcasing the relentless nature of those determined to claim the unsupervised spaces.
Beyond the aesthetics, there's monetary fallout from this predicament. Not only are residents anxious about their property values taking a hit, but the tax situation for Middleton’s properties has also gotten murky. Reports indicate he hasn't paid property taxes, causing the city to place liens on the homes. And with numerous police visits—six just this month—Middleton’s properties are now very much on the radar of local law enforcement.
City officials are issuing stern warnings about the gravity of the situation. "Irresponsible property owners must take accountability for their property or face action from the city," said Raman, signaling lawmakers' readiness to enforce stricter measures if necessary. The phrase “public nuisance” has emerged frequently, illustrating the stiff consequences faced by delinquent property owners.
The fallout from this saga not only affects Middleton, but also poses questions about property ownership responsibilities and how vacant homes are managed within dense urban environments. It's clear the stakes for the Los Angeles community and its residents are high, with the specter of crime riding on this cottage-like disaster. With heightened scrutiny from both city officials and neighbors, the pressure is clearly on for Middleton to rectify the situation.
Now, as he scrambles to restore the properties, there’s anticipation about what will happen next: Will these mansions regain their former glory? Or will they continue to be the source of embarrassment for their owner, and for the city of Los Angeles as well? Only time will tell, but for now, it seems the scandal surrounding John Powers Middleton’s Hollywood Hills homes will not be fading away anytime soon.
What had once been luxurious dwellings are now tragic reminders of neglect and the battle for accountability between property owners and the communities they affect. One can speculate about the wisdom of leaving high-value estates vacant, but the lesson here may be about responsibility—both to oneself and to the broader world outside.
For John Powers Middleton, the story is just beginning—a tale intertwined with Hollywood dreams, squatter realities, and the hard truth of accountability. Will he step up and make amends, or will this saga serve as another chapter of obligation unfulfilled? The city of Los Angeles and its residents are clearly watching, waiting for the outcome with bated breath.
