The owner of two abandoned Hollywood Hills mansions apologized Wednesday for the ongoing vandalism happening at his multi-million dollar homes.
The homes a few miles apart with scenic views of Los Angeles have been vacant for years, attracting squatters and vandals. In recent weeks, residents said they've noticed graffiti on the exterior walls of the homes on Mulholland Drive and North Sunset Plaza Drive.
Both are owned by John Middleton, the son of the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies. Middleton issued a statement Thursday evening.
“What’s happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and no matter what caused it, I own the houses,” wrote Middleton in the statement.
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Middleton clarified that the homes had security already in place as well as a property manager. He said that now there is armed security present 24/7.
“I’m disappointed to note that even as I have worked this week to paint over the graffiti, vandals still managed to break in and paint over the newly cleaned walls,” he wrote.
City workers placed fencing in front of the home earlier this week and Los Angeles Police Department officers were at the site. There was a dramatic difference in the state of the Mulholland Drive property Thursday after city crews removed graffiti that covered the multi-story structure earlier this week.
Middleton said that he would repay the city any taxpayer funds used to protect the property.
Records show John Powers Middleton bought the Mulholland Drive mansion in 2012. Then in October 2022, after it was declared a nuisance, the LA Department of Building and Safety said Middleton must build a fence and secure the property. When he didn’t, the city had to build the fence.
Built in 2003, the four-story, six-bedroom mansion with a large pool is perched on a hillside overlooking Los Angeles with views to the east and south.
The other eyesore mansion is in 1700 block of North Sunset Plaza Drive. The multi-story residence is about 5 miles south of the Mulholland Drive mansion.
Two people were arrested Wednesday in connection with vandalism at the Mulholland Drive mansion.
Los Angeles Councilmember Nithya Raman's office said the owner of both properties is in "egregious violation of the law." The office has been in contact with police and the building and safety department.
"Our office has elevated the issue with the abandoned buildings unit at the Department of Building and Safety to ensure that the fullest extent of enforcement is being implemented urgently and swiftly," Raman's office said. "DBS has been on site at both locations to investigate, assess, and erect security measures.
"This is a public safety issue with serious consequences for both neighbors and the surrounding community. Irresponsible property owners must take accountability for their property or face action from the city."
Read full statement from John Powers Middleton
"I would like to apologize to the people of Los Angeles, and especially to my neighbors. What’s happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and no matter what caused it, I own the houses. I also want to set the record straight – a lot of the stories have left out important facts. Both houses have had a property manager and/or security in place, including drive-by security. We have caught or thwarted numerous break-in attempts, including graffiti trespassers at both houses. But the attackers, especially the squatters, have been relentless, and our security people were overwhelmed. I have now beefed up security - 24/7, armed - at both properties and have several painting and construction and other crews in both houses working to make repairs. I’m doing my best to make the houses secure and fix them up, with the intent to sell each as soon as possible. I’m disappointed to note that even as I have worked this week to paint over the graffiti, vandals still managed to break in and paint over the newly cleaned walls. Given the persistence of the numerous trespassers, it’s a struggle. What’s happened to my property is criminal and I hope everyone caught will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. No one in Los Angeles should have to put up with squatters and vandalism that are out of control. I will also repay any and all taxpayer funds used to gate, fence or board the houses and to pay all tax bills. I want to thank the city of Los Angeles for working with me to rectify this horrible situation."
