P
roducer John Powers Middleton finally broke his silence regarding the state of his two mansions in the Hollywood Hills, which have been plagued by graffiti and vandalism. The son of billionaire John S. Middleton, owner of the Philadelphia Phillies, issued a formal apology to neighbors and the City of Los Angeles after complaints about the properties' condition surfaced.

    The homes, located on Mulholland Drive and North Sunset Plaza Drive, have been vacant for years, attracting squatters and vandals who have left their mark with spray paint. Middleton claimed that both mansions had security in place and were overseen by a property manager, but acknowledged that the situation was unacceptable. He stated that 24/7 armed security is now in place at both locations.

    Middleton's apology came after residents expressed frustration about the properties' condition, with one neighbor describing it as "insane" that someone would let a $10-million house deteriorate to this extent. City workers have taken steps to secure the properties, including boarding up windows and whitewashing graffiti on the Mulholland property.

    Middleton also promised to repay the city any taxpayer funds used to protect his properties. The absent owner has faced criticism for allowing the homes to fall into disrepair, with police records showing numerous incidents of burglary, prowling, and vandalism at one of the properties this year. Middleton's family made their fortune in the tobacco industry before selling their business to Philip Morris in 2007 for $2.9 billion.