The son of a billionaire baseball team owner has issued a groveling apology after two of his multi-million dollar mansions in Los Angeles were covered in graffiti-covered eyesores and overrun by squatters.
John Powers Middleton, 40, whose father owns the Philadelphia Phillies, has come under fire as his luxury properties fell into chaos.
The Sunset Plaza mansion, once a beautiful home with three pools and a helipad, is now defaced with graffiti, leaving only a shell of its former glory.
After facing mounting backlash, Middleton finally broke his silence and spoke up The New York Post: ‘I would like to apologize to the residents of Los Angeles, and especially to my neighbors. What happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and whatever the cause, I own the homes.”
Middleton has issued a groveling apology after two of his multi-million dollar Los Angeles mansions were overrun with graffiti-covered eyesores by squatters
John Powers Middleton (pictured right), 40, whose father owns the Philadelphia Phillies, has come under fire as his luxury properties fell into chaos
But the Sunset Plaza property is not alone. Middleton’s other mansion, valued at a whopping $6.53 million, has also become a hotbed of illegal activity with looters and squatters.
Authorities were forced to evict ten squatters from the site this month and police were on the scene six times in September alone.
Middleton told the outlet that in an effort to stop the squatters, he has called in armed guards to patrol the properties 24/7, while multiple crews work around the clock to undo the damage.
‘Both homes are equipped with a manager and/or security, including drive-by security. “We have intercepted or thwarted numerous burglary attempts,” he added.
“But the attackers, especially the squatters, have been ruthless and our security people have been overwhelmed.”
But his efforts have not made much difference, he emphasized.
‘I am disappointed that despite working to paint over the graffiti this week, vandals have still managed to break in and paint the freshly cleaned walls. Given the persistence of the numerous offenders, it is a battle,” he said.
“No one in Los Angeles should tolerate squatters and out-of-control vandalism,” he said.
Local resident Marina Mizruh said: ‘We had squatters, and more squatters, and then graffiti, and more graffiti. What needs to be done?’
The second house received fresh paint, but days later was vandalized again with new graffiti
Other residents in the area told the outlet that the vandalism is a ‘reflection of the decline of America’
Los Angeles Councilmember Nithya Raman’s office said Middleton committed “a blatant violation of the law” after mishandling the property
The second house was destroyed this week. It was the second multi-storey townhouse in the area to be targeted by vandals – both owned by John Powers Middleton.
The first building, where alleged sex offender Sean Combs once filmed a music video, was tagged ‘Diddy was here’.
The second home received fresh paint, according to the outlet, but was vandalized again days later with new graffiti.
For years, the properties have become an eyesore to local residents and a safety problem.
Local resident Marina Mizruh said neighbors had often complained about the property.
One armed squatter was arrested in January 2022 and then again in August 2023, but more squatters vandalized the property, prompting more police visits, reported KABC.
‘We had squatters, and more squatters, and then graffiti, and more graffiti. What needs to be done? “I think the city will eventually have to repossess the house and tear it down,” she said NBC.
The other mansion owned by the family has also been damaged
Los Angeles Councilmember Nithya Raman’s office said Middleton committed “a flagrant violation of the law” after mishandling the property.
A lien had been issued on the tagged $6.53 million home after Middleton defaulted on property taxes, the New York Post reported.
Middleton was also ordered by the LA Department of Building and Safety to build a fence and secure the property, which led to the city building a fence after he failed to do so, NBC reported.
Other residents in the area told the outlet that the vandalism is a “reflection of the decline of America,” as property tagging has continued to increase in recent years.
One armed squatter was arrested in January 2022 and then again in August 2023, but more squatters vandalized the property, prompting more police visits