A Los Angeles mansion in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood belonging to John Powers Middleton, son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton, has been vandalized by taggers. The property, which has been vacant for years, has attracted squatters and created safety concerns for the neighborhood. Councilmember Nithya Raman confirmed the ownership of the two properties and stated that the owner was in violation of the law. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is working to address the issue and implement security measures.
The vacant property has been the site of violent incidents, with squatters often occupying the building despite police intervention. In 2022, an armed man was arrested for illegally living in the property with his dog. In August 2023, the property was covered in graffiti and furniture was found in the pool. Recent drone footage showed that the property had been cleaned up and painted, only for taggers to vandalize it again.
John Powers Middleton, a film producer known for his work on projects like “The Lego Movie” and “Manchester by the Sea,” owns the mansion. The property features six bedrooms, a screening room, indoor and outdoor pools, and a wine room. Middleton purchased the home in 2012 and has faced enforcement actions from the city, including the requirement to build a fence to prevent squatters. City workers ultimately built the fence themselves when Middleton did not comply. The mansion, built in 2008, remains a source of concern for neighbors and the surrounding community.
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