Chelsea Handler has recently revealed her disillusioning experience after purchasing a home in Brentwood, Los Angeles, previously owned by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Cheryl Hines. The comedian and podcast host, known for her candidness on her show “Dear Chelsea”, disclosed the struggle she has endured since acquiring the property in 2021 for an eye-watering £5.9 million.
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According to Handler, her new home was far from the charming dream she envisioned. Built in 1937, the property boasts five bedrooms and a pool, but she describes it as “toxic” and “unlivable.” On a recent podcast episode, she asserted, “I’m not exaggerating any of this. It was a disaster, and I didn’t know it going in because everything was, you know, under wraps.”
Handler explained that despite the considerable investment she made, the home turned out to be riddled with structural issues. Admitting that she still has not spent a single night in the house four years later, she captures the gravity of her situation by saying, “That’s how f—ed up this house was.” Handler drew attention to the irony of her experience, particularly in light of RFK Jr.’s aspirations in public health, noting, “the idea that this guy is in charge of the health of our country when he didn’t even have a proper foundation at his house.”
Her assessment turned more alarming when she relayed details from a home inspector who informed her that the house was “the most toxic environment” and not suitable for habitation for at least two years. “You cannot live here for at least two years,” she recalled him asserting, showcasing the perilous situation she found herself in.
Handler also recounted her encounters with neighbours and inspectors who informed her that the home was allegedly “cursed”. This only compounded the frustrations of an already problematic situation. Just days before she closed the deal, a last-minute update revealed an “illegal outdoor storage unit” on the property previously left by the Kennedy couple.
The now-podcaster expressed her disbelief that such significant issues were overlooked during the initial inspection process. “So now we have to remove his illegal bulls—t from my property, and I’m like, how did they not find this upon the first inspection?” she questioned, highlighting a serious lapse in due diligence.
In a further twist, Handler described receiving a rather unexpected note from Hines, who had the “audacity” to offer help post-sale. “Let us know if there’s anything we can do for you, Chelsea,” it read. Handler couldn’t help but respond, albeit sarcastically, by suggesting a more practical help could have been addressing the foundation issues before the sale. “That’s something you could do for me. Anyway, I’m not angry about it or anything. I’m totally over it,” she added, showcasing her sense of humour amid the chaos.
In a stark contrast, RFK Jr. and Hines have reportedly sold their former residence and purchased another home just down the street for £6.6 million. Handler has so far not received any comments from representatives for either Kennedy or Hines regarding her revelations on the podcast.
The saga serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls in real estate transactions, particularly when purchasing a home with a significant historical footprint, especially in a wealthy Los Angeles neighbourhood like Brentwood. Handler’s candid sharing may resonate with others who have faced similarly fraught home-buying experiences, underscoring the importance of thorough inspections and transparency in property dealings.
As Chelsea Handler continues to navigate the aftermath of her ill-fated home purchase, her story provides both an entertaining and cautionary tale for potential homeowners.