Graffiti artists and squatters have been drawn to the abandoned mansions of Hollywood producer John Powers Middleton in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles. City Councilmember Nithya Raman has warned Middleton that he is violating the law by allowing the properties to deteriorate. The defaced buildings have become eyesores for the posh neighborhood, prompting visits from police and building inspectors. One of the mansions, a multi-story property with luxurious amenities, has been covered in graffiti and inhabited by squatters. Neighbors have complained about the abandoned property for years, leading to multiple notices from city inspectors. Middleton, known for his work in film production, has been unresponsive to the city’s demands to take responsibility for the properties. Despite a successful career in the entertainment industry, Middleton has faced criticism for his neglect of the mansions and his involvement in Republican fundraising efforts, including significant donations to support former President Donald Trump. The deteriorating condition of the abandoned mansions highlights the challenges of property maintenance and responsibility in upscale neighborhoods like the Hollywood Hills.
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