Ariana Longson
Updated on: October 13, 2024 5:33 am GMT
Once a luxurious retreat for celebrities like Sean “Diddy” Combs and Mary J. Blige, a sprawling mansion in the Hollywood Hills has now turned into a chaotic scene of graffiti and squatters, leaving neighbors distressed and uneasy. The estate, which has seen better days, is not just an eyesore—it’s become a source of fear amid rising crime and vandalism in the area.
From Glamour to Neglect
The mansion situated at 7571 Mulholland Drive, a six-bedroom, 9,707-square-foot property valued at over $6 million, was once a vibrant part of the celebrity circuit. Combs famously filmed his 2007 music video for “Last Night” here, utilizing its grand spaces like the great room and outdoor pool area. Unfortunately, the home has not fared well in recent years.
Since being abandoned, it has attracted a growing number of taggers and squatters, who have turned the property into a backdrop for graffiti art, including messages like “Diddy was here” spray-painted on the roof. Local residents have expressed their frustrations over the property’s decline.
One neighbor, who preferred to remain anonymous, lamented, “Every time we call the police, they come and clear it out. But within hours, five more people are back inside.” Concerns over safety have escalated, with reports of violent encounters occurring near the property.
Community Outcry
Residents in the area are voicing their outrage not just about the visual decline of the mansion but also about the safety risks it poses. Some key points from their concerns include:
- The property is now a hotspot for crime, with reports of assaults involving tools like steel rebar.
- Graffiti and property damage have turned the once-cheerful neighborhood into an unsettling environment.
- Neighbors have expressed a desire for security measures, suggesting that the mansion should be monitored by private security guards.
Jack, another local resident, said, “The longer it sits like this, more people are going to come and keep doing what they’re doing. The neighborhood could use a security guard—two guards would not be that expensive.”
A History of Abandonment
The mansion’s owner, John Powers Middleton—son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton—has faced challenges since acquiring the property in 2012. After only two years, the city of Los Angeles issued an abatement order mandating that Middleton secure the property due to increasing concerns over safety and vandalism.
Unfortunately, Middleton failed to comply with this order, leading the city to step in and erect a fence around the property in October 2022. Yet, squatters continue to breach security measures, and the mansion remains a backdrop for unsanctioned parties and criminal activity.
Ongoing Legal and Financial Troubles
The situation worsened as reports surfaced that Middleton has defaulted on property taxes for several years. A lien has been placed on the home, complicating his financial responsibilities further. With multiple calls made to the Los Angeles Police Department, authorities have responded to the site numerous times in hopes of managing the squatter issue.
A recent incident led to the police’s involvement, removing ten people from the property, with one individual arrested on a warrant. The continuing struggles to maintain control over the mansion underscore the significant challenges property owners face with abandoned real estate in major cities.
The Price of Abandonment
The mansion’s transformation from a glorious celebrity hideaway to a dilapidated site is part of a growing trend in real estate where properties fall victim to neglect. The community fears the consequences of such abandoned homes:
- Increased crime rates: An abandoned property can attract criminal activity, endangering nearby residents.
- Declining property values: Homes in proximity to abandoned buildings often lose value due to the negative perception of the area.
- Community safety concerns: Without security measures, these properties continue to be occupied by squatters, leading to fear among residents.
Community leaders urge property owners like Middleton to take swift action to remedy the situation. Neighbors are calling for more robust intervention from city officials to address the legal and financial challenges surrounding abandoned properties.
An Uncertain Future
The fate of the Hollywood Hills mansion remains uncertain. With ongoing issues of vandalism and squatting, residents continue to call for action against what they see as a growing blight on their once-peaceful neighborhood. As they hope for a resolution, the community reflects on the consequences of neglect, not just for properties like Middleton’s mansion but for the fabric of their lives.
Recently, Sean “Diddy” Combs has had some legal problems, and now his big mansion shows how even fancy places can be forgotten and fall apart. People living nearby hope someone will take care of the house soon, before it gets too run down—if it hasn’t already.
