Son of billionaire Phillies owner apologizes after second abandoned LA mansion becomes a graffiti magnet

A second mansion in Los Angeles owned by billionaire heir John Powers Middleton has fallen victim to relentless vandalism, just weeks after his other property made headlines for being tagged with “Diddy was here” — a nod to a music video shot by Sean Combs at the location years ago.

Both properties, now defaced and overrun by squatters, have become a symbol of neglect in the affluent neighborhoods they occupy.

Middleton, the son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton, has been under fire for allowing the homes to fall into disrepair. The most recent incident occurred at his Sunset Plaza mansion, where graffiti reappeared just days after a fresh coat of paint was applied.

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According to reports, the multi-million dollar property has been plagued by squatting and vandalism for years. One squatter was even arrested in January 2022 after occupying the home with his dog.

In August 2023, more trespassers wreaked havoc, leading to yet another police intervention. Neighbors, who once admired the house for its lavish design, including three swimming pools and a helipad, are now lamenting its downfall.

“It’s tragic,” Alexander Gorbis, a friend of the previous owner’s family told KABC. “I [virtually] grew up in that house. To see how it is now is just beyond words.”

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Middleton’s other mansion, valued at $6.53 million, hasn’t fared much better. With unpaid property taxes piling up, a lien has been placed on the house, which has seen police called there six times in September alone.

Just this month, 10 squatters were evicted from the site. Local officials are losing patience. Councilmember Nithya Raman blasted Middleton for what she called his “egregious violation of the law,” emphasizing the serious public safety risks posed by the decaying properties.

“Irresponsible property owners must take accountability for their property or face action from the city,” Raman said.

In a statement to The Post, Middleton expressed his regret over the situation: “I would like to apologize to the people of Los Angeles, and especially to my neighbors. What’s happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and no matter what caused it, I own the houses.”

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He also defended his efforts, stating that he had hired security teams to protect the properties.

“Both houses have had a property manager and/or security in place, including drive-by security. We have caught or thwarted numerous break-in attempts … but the attackers, especially the squatters, have been relentless, and our security people were overwhelmed.”

In response to the ongoing chaos, Middleton claims he’s now beefed up security with 24/7 armed guards and has multiple crews working to repair the damage.

“I’m disappointed to note that even as I have worked this week to paint over the graffiti, vandals still managed to break in and paint over the newly cleaned walls. Given the persistence of the numerous trespassers, it’s a struggle,” he said.

Middleton vowed to repay any taxpayer money used to secure the homes and promised to settle his unpaid taxes.

“No one in Los Angeles should have to put up with squatters and vandalism that are out of control,” he said.

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