Comedian and television host Chelsea Handler has publicly detailed her troubling experience purchasing a multi-million dollar home in Los Angeles from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines. During a recent episode of her podcast, Dear Chelsea, the 51-year-old entertainer described the property as a complete "disaster" and expressed shock at its condition.
A Costly and Problematic Acquisition
According to property records and reports from Realtor.com, Handler acquired the Brentwood residence for approximately $5.9 million five years ago. The home, situated in the prestigious Mandeville Canyon neighbourhood, was originally constructed in 1937 and features five bedrooms, a spacious backyard, and a swimming pool. Handler revealed that she was unaware the sellers were Kennedy and Hines at the time of purchase, a fact she says underscores the severity of the property's issues.
'The Most Toxic Environment'
Handler recounted that a professional home inspector later informed her the house had "the most toxic environment," advising that it would be uninhabitable for at least two years. "I'm not exaggerating any of this," Handler stated emphatically on her podcast. "It was a disaster, and I didn't know it going in because everything was, you know, under wraps." She further claimed that three separate individuals have since told her the property feels "cursed."
The comedian also launched a sharp critique of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who currently serves as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. "That's how f***ed up this house was," Handler remarked. "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." She went on to label Kennedy as "the embodiment of everything that is wrong with this administration."
Renovation Nightmares and Illegal Structures
After multiple extensive renovation efforts, Handler disclosed that a critical issue was discovered only during the "last week of inspection." Contractors identified an illegal outdoor storage unit on the premises that had been present since her acquisition. "They're like, 'Oh, there's a unit.' There's been a little outdoor storage unit that's been there since I bought it. And they're like, 'This is illegal,'" Handler explained. "So now we have to remove [Kennedy's] illegal bulls*** from my property. And I'm like, how did they not find this upon the first inspection?"
Handler noted that despite the significant problems, Cheryl Hines left a handwritten note after the sale reading, "Let us know if there's anything we can do for you, Chelsea." Handler sarcastically retorted, "I'm like, yeah, how about a f***ing foundation? That's something you could do for me."
Property Details and Transaction
Public records indicate the final sale date was October 14, 2021, and the property was purchased through a trust registered under the name of Handler's sister, Simone. To date, Handler confirms she has still not been able to live in the residence due to the ongoing remediation and legal complications. The Independent has reached out to representatives for Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for comment regarding Handler's allegations.
