Both properties are owned by John Powers Middleton, who produced “The Lego Movie” and the TV series “Bates Motel.” After the vandalism made national headlines, Middleton issued a public apology through a spokesperson.
“What’s happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and no matter what caused it, I own the houses,” The LA Times reported Middleton said in a statement. “Given the persistence of the numerous trespassers, it’s a struggle.”
The towers attracted scores of graffiti artists who tagged the property and BASE jumpers who used the 53-story buildings to jump from, prompting city officials to spend nearly $4 million to install a fence and clean up the development, Business Insider reported.
Bloomberg reported last month that the abandoned Oceanwide Plaza Towers development was headed for a bankruptcy auction. Though the unfinished project has drawn comparisons to the 5 Pointz mural demolition, it remains unclear whether the street artists who tagged the Los Angeles property plan to claim their graffiti, which could result in a legal battle over its destruction.
https://www.businessinsider.com/hollywood-hills-mansions-graffiti-los-angeles-vandalism-trend-2024-9