Daren Metropoulos, who was named the new owner of the Playboy Mansion last year, is suing a former assistant of his
Hostess Cakes co-owner Daren Metropoulos, who was named the new owner of the Playboy Mansion, is suing a former assistant for more than $1million after he said she threatened to drag his name through the mud.
In court documents obtained by TMZ, the 34-year-old Metropoulos claimed the unidentified ex-employee ‘threatened to spread lies about him mistreating and harassing women’ if he did not pay up millions after the two ended business ties with one another earlier this year after three years.
Metropoulos, who is also heir to the Pabst Blue Ribbon fortune – bought out the five-acre mansion back in 2016 from the late Playboy legend, Hugh Hefner, for a whopping $100million.
The investor alleged the woman is now attempting to take advantage of the buyout, writing further in the suit she is an ‘opportunist; a scammer; and an extortionist.’
While details on what the woman’s money-fueled dispute entailed have not yet been released, Metropoulos claimed it’s not her first criminal case- adding she was once sued for fraud and working as an unlicensed contractor.
In court documents obtained by TMZ, the 34-year-old Metropoulos claimed the unidentified ex-employee ‘threatened to spread lies about him mistreating and harassing women’ if he did not pay up millions
Metropoulos, who is also heir to the Pabst Blue Ribbon fortune – bought out the five-acre mansion back in 2016 from the late Playboy legend, Hugh Hefner, for a whopping $100million
Now, the investor says the unidentified woman (NOT PICTURED) is attempting to take advantage of the buyout, writing further in the suit she is an ‘opportunist; a scammer; and an extortionist.’
Following Hefner’s sudden passing September 27, the wealthy businessman announced his plans to expand the historic Los Angeles, California estate
Following Hefner’s sudden passing September 27, the wealthy businessman announced his plans to expand the historic Los Angeles, California estate.
Late last month, Metropoulos revealed he would be developing the longtime party and pleasure-fused palace with the neighboring piece of land he purchased in 2009, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Son of the billionaire investor and businessman, Dean Metropoulos, the heir said in a statement he felt ‘fortunate and privileged’ to ‘own a one-of-a-kind piece of history and art.
‘I look forward to eventually rejoining the two estates and enjoying this beautiful property as my private residence for years to come,’ Metropoulos said.
A stipulation in the purchase agreement between Hefner and Metropoulos was that the 91-year-old publishing mogul would be able to live at the Holmby Hills property for the rest of life.
Hefner’s death was confirmed in a statement from Playboy Enterprises last month, which said he ‘passed away from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones.’
The five-acre Playboy Mansion estate was purchased for a record $100 million, making it the largest ever in LA County
In 2009, Metropoulos, who owns the snack brand Hostess, purchased a smaller mansion next door to the Playboy estate
A stipulation in the contract stated that Hefner, who died on Wednesday, could live in the mansion for the rest of his life
Both properties combined will now span an estimated 7. 3 acres, the Reporter noted.
Mauricio Umansky, one of the brokers involved in the property transaction, said the deal was one of the ‘highlights’ of his entire real estate career.
The estate purchased in 2009 was built two years after the the Playboy Mansion, in 1929, and designed by architect Arthur R. Kelly for department store heir Arthur Letts Jr.
The purchase of the Playboy Mansion last year marks in largest in L.A. County history, despite being originally listed for $200 million.
The famous grotto of Playboy Magazine publisher Hugh Hefner is seen 11 January 2007
Overhead views of the Playboy Mansion the day after Hugh Hefner passed away at the age of 91
Hugh Hefner’s wife Crystal gave a video tour of lavish Playboy Mansion – a games room is seen above
‘Hugh Hefner was a visionary in business, a giant in media and an iconic figure of pop culture whose legacy will leave a lasting impact,’ Metropoulos said in a statement.
‘I was fortunate to know him as a neighbor and friend and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.’
Despite the outward appearance of congeniality, some believe the Metropoulos family may have had an ulterior motive in purchasing the historic property.
Greg Harris of Compass told the The Real Deal online publication that the family has not only had its sights on the Playboy Mansion – but the magazine itself.
‘If they own the tangible estate and the magazine, then they’re in the good spot because they can leverage that as a space,’ Harris said.
‘I just personally never fully believed or understood that he was going to knock it down and build one monstrous house. It would make sense that it’s part of a bigger opportunity.’
Renovations are currently underway at the 22 room estate, according to the Reporter, which includes a wine cellar, screening room, game room, tennis/basketball court, a waterfall and a swimming pool attached to the infamous Playboy Mansion grotto.