A Hollywood producer’s vandalized mansions recall a landmark case when graffiti artists won $6.75 million after their work was destroyed

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.