**The Disturbing Tale of a Serial Squatter in Malibu**
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In an alarming case that has caught the attention of many, a Malibu resident’s experience with a woman identified as Ellie Mae McNulty has been brought to light through a new docuseries titled “Squatters: Get the F*** Out of My House.” This series, available on Hulu, highlights the unsettling reality of squatting and the ensuing struggles faced by those affected.

Jason Gurvitz, a central figure in the second episode of the series, reveals how his attempt to rent out a spare room turned into a distressing ordeal. Gurvitz, alongside his roommate Kesia, eagerly listed their available bedroom, unaware that it would soon become a source of significant stress. When McNulty, an aspiring actress, expressed interest in the room, they were initially reassured by her claims of having a supportive uncle who would assist her with expenses.
Describing the initial phase of McNulty’s stay, Gurvitz noted that she appeared quiet and unobtrusive, leading them to believe that everything was amicable. However, a week into her residency, the situation began to shift. Gurvitz approached Kesia to inquire about the promised security deposit, only to be met with McNulty’s ever-changing and vague excuses.
The atmosphere in the house began to change as Gurvitz and Kesia confronted her more directly. Despite their mounting frustration, Gurvitz described McNulty’s unsettling calmness: “It was like she had so much power over us that the more angry we got, it made us weaker. It genuinely felt like she had invaded our home and was terrorising us, but she did it with a smile.”
As time passed, McNulty’s demeanor reportedly became more confrontational, leading Gurvitz to suspect that he was dealing with a squatter rather than a tenant. California law complicates matters for landlords, stipulating that anyone residing in a property for over 30 days can only be formally evicted through a lengthy legal process, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
Facing potential eviction costs upwards of £13,000 and a wait of several months, Gurvitz sought alternative means to resolve the situation. The turning point came when McNulty attempted to file a temporary restraining order against him, claiming he had slandered her online. Seizing the opportunity, Gurvitz contacted the Los Angeles Police Department to request a civil harassment restraining order against her. When police persuaded McNulty to exit the property for a discussion, Gurvitz managed to lock her out, effectively ending her stay.
Despite these developments, McNulty did not respond to the docuseries producers’ attempts for comment. The documentary has since brought greater scrutiny upon her actions, with Gurvitz later speaking to a journalist from Vanity Fair. The ensuing piece labelled McNulty as a “serial squatter,” chronicling her alleged mistreatment of others as well.
Among those highlighted was Alden Marin, a 65-year-old man battling stage IV melanoma. Marin recounted how he had graciously allowed McNulty to stay with him in 2021 while she awaited a new home. However, she subsequently refused to leave, subjecting him to considerable verbal abuse and failing to pay rent. Marin’s emotional state deteriorated significantly due to the situation, ultimately leading to a psychiatric evaluation where he was diagnosed with severe depression linked to McNulty’s continued presence in his home.
As if this were not enough, reports indicate that McNulty had also exploited an elderly widow, who had rented her a room in her Santa Monica residence. The widow reportedly paid McNulty “tens of thousands of pounds” in an effort to have her vacate the premises.
In total, McNulty has been involved in at least four tenancy-related legal disputes throughout her recent history. The docuseries offers a glimpse into the grim reality of squatting, spotlighting the emotional and financial drain faced by individuals dealing with such circumstances.
As “Squatters: Get the F*** Out of My House” streams on Hulu and Disney+, the series serves as a stark reminder of the troubles that can emerge when the lines between tenancy and unlawfulness blur. The experiences shared by Gurvitz and others impacted by McNulty underscore the need for awareness and understanding of squatting laws, as well as the potential consequences that renters may face when welcoming tenants into their homes.
