The allure of celebrity homes often extends beyond their architectural grandeur and luxurious amenities. Sometimes, these properties become infamous for the scandals that unfold within their walls, forever altering their histories and market values.
Here, we explore some of the most notorious celebrity homes that have been at the centre of major controversies.
The Chateau Marmont – Various Celebrities
Location: Los Angeles, California
Known for its Hollywood glamour and discretion, the Chateau Marmont has been the site of numerous celebrity scandals over the decades.
From John Belushi’s tragic overdose in 1982 to various high-profile celebrity escapades, the hotel has seen its share of controversy.
The property most recently made headlines in 2024, when police were called due to reports of Britney Spears harassing hotel staff and guests following an altercation with her boyfriend, but found no trouble upon arrival.
Later, in their hotel room, things escalated into a physical fight, possibly resulting in Britney injuring her leg.
Despite its scandalous history, the Chateau Marmont remains one of Los Angeles’ most iconic and sought-after hotels.
Its reputation for privacy and exclusivity continues to attract celebrities and tourists alike, maintaining its high market value.
Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles. Picture: Alamy Todd McKenney.
Britney Spears leaves Chateau Marmont.
Neverland Ranch – Michael Jackson
Location: Los Olivos, California
Once a symbol of fantasy and childhood wonder, Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch became the focal point of multiple allegations of child abuse.
The extensive media coverage and legal battles surrounding these allegations cast a long shadow over the property and significantly affected the property’s marketability.
Despite its sprawling 2,700 acres and numerous attractions, including a zoo and amusement park, the ranch struggled to find a buyer for years.
It was eventually sold in 2020 to billionaire Ron Burkle for $22m, significantly lower than the initial asking price of $100m.
The property has now been renamed Sycamore Valley Ranch.
Aerial view of Neverland where Michael Jackson lived for 15 years.
The home came with its own amusement park. (Photo by Trae Patton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)
The Playboy Mansion – Hugh Hefner
Location: Los Angeles, California
The Playboy Mansion, synonymous with extravagant parties and celebrity guests, was also the site of numerous controversies, including allegations of misconduct and legal disputes involving Hugh Hefner, Bill Cosby and guests.
Despite its controversial history, the Playboy Mansion’s iconic status maintained its allure and was sold in 2016 for $100m to Daren Metropoulos, who owned the property next door.
The property’s unique legacy has kept its market value relatively stable.
Playboy bunny Sheila Levell, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and Playboy bunny Holly Madison perform a scene during the filming of a commercial for “X Games IX” at the Playboy Mansion in 2003. (Photo by Robert Mora/Getty Images)
The iconic Playboy Mansion.
The Viper Room – Johnny Depp
Location: West Hollywood, California
Co-owned by Johnny Depp in the 1990s, The Viper Room gained notoriety when actor River Phoenix tragically died of a drug overdose on its doorstep in 1993.
The incident brought intense media scrutiny and a lasting association with Hollywood’s darker side.
The scandal cemented The Viper Room’s reputation as a notorious venue, attracting both curiosity and infamy. Its value has fluctuated over the years, influenced by its storied past and ongoing interest in its cultural significance.
Live music venue The Viper Room in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images)
The venue was once famously owned by Johnny Depp. (Photo by JIM WATSON / POOL / AFP)
O.J. Simpson’s Brentwood Estate
Location: Los Angeles, California
The Brentwood estate of O.J. Simpson became infamous as the site of the alleged murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman in 1994. The subsequent trial captivated the world and left an indelible mark on the property.
The stigma associated with the crime led to the property’s demolition in 1998.
A new home was built on the site, but the address was changed in an attempt to distance it from its notorious past.
The land’s value is said to have been affected by its history, though the new construction has helped mitigate some of the stigma.
O.J. Simpson answers questions during an interview with CNN legal analyst Greta Van Susteren at his Brentwood estate. (AP Photo/CNN, Rose M. Prouser)
The Beverly Hills Mansion – Phil Spector
Location: Alhambra, California
Music producer Phil Spector’s mansion – widely known as Pyrenees Castle – became infamous as the site of actress Lana Clarkson’s murder in 2003.
Spector was later convicted of her murder, and the case drew significant media attention.
As a result, the property’s association with such a high-profile crime complicated its marketability. It was eventually sold in 2021 for $3.3 million, but the stigma of its history likely influenced the sale price.
Phil Spector’s former Alhambra mansion, known as Pyrenees Castle. (AP Photo/Ric Francis)
Phil Spector at his trial in 2009. (AP Photo/Pool, Al Seib)
The El Mirasol Estate – Jeffrey Epstein
Location: Palm Beach, Florida
The El Mirasol Estate was one of several properties owned by financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of running a sex trafficking operation. The estate was central to many of the allegations against him.
Following Epstein’s arrest and subsequent death, the property was sold in 2020 for $23 million. The proceeds were intended to benefit his victims, but the estate’s association with his crimes may have affected its market value.
Jeffrey Epstein’s former Palm Beach home. Picture: SDNY
A police headshot of Jeffrey Epstein (Photo by Handout / Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Department).
Calabasas Mansion – Kylie Jenner
Location: Calabasas, California
Kylie Jenner’s Calabasas mansion became the subject of controversy when it was revealed that she had hosted large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite public health guidelines. The events drew criticism and media attention with Kylie found to put her own wants over the needs of others.
While the scandal did not significantly impact the property’s market value, it highlighted the ongoing scrutiny celebrities face regarding their personal and public responsibilities.
Kylie and Kendall Jenner leave the Gritti Palace Hotel on the wedding day of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. (Photo by ANDREA PATTARO / AFP)
Champions Point – Michael Jordan
Location: Chicago, Illinois
The basketball great’s mansion went viral on social media in 2024, after it was revealed that the abandoned 2.83ha property was in a state of disrepair.
In the footage, the indoor basketball court appears to have had significant flooding, while the kitchen was seemingly trapped mid-renovation, with cupboard doors on the ground and pieces of wood and trash throughout the room.
The largely empty house also had chairs, beds and couches in the rooms, though it was clear there hadn’t been many tenants, if any, in years.
The state of the home significantly impacted the property’s sale value, with the mansion selling for $US9.5 million ($A14.9 million) in December last year after 13 on the market.
The home first came on the market in 2012 for $42.9m (US$29m).
Michael Jordan attempts a dunk during the 1985 NBA All Star Slam Dunk Competition at the Hoosier Dome in 1985. (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Michael Jordan’s former Chicago home – of course – came with its own basketball stadium.
Miami Beach Home – Lil Wayne
Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Lil Wayne’s Miami Beach home was the site of a police raid in 2015 due to a legal dispute over unpaid debts. The incident drew media attention and highlighted the rapper’s financial and legal challenges.
Despite the scandal, the property’s value remained high due to its desirable location and luxury amenities. Lil Wayne eventually sold the home in 2017 for $10 million, after having it on the market for a couple of years. The property featured a rooftop skate park and a shark lagoon, and was located in an exclusive Miami Beach neighbourhood.
Lil Wayne’s former Miami Beach mansion.
US rapper Lil Wayne performs on stage during the 2025 BET Awards at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)
English (US) · 