Comedian and podcast host Chelsea Handler has leveled sharp criticism against Robert F. Kennedy Jr., claiming the former home she purchased from the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services was a “toxic” disaster plagued by structural failures and illegal additions.
Handler, 51, acquired the Brentwood estate from Kennedy and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, for $5.9 million in 2021. However, four years after the transaction, Handler reveals she has yet to move into the property, citing extensive remediation requirements that she claims reflect poorly on Kennedy’s leadership.
A “Cursed” Property and Structural Failures
Speaking on a recent episode of her Dear Chelsea podcast, Handler detailed a grueling renovation process that she claims began almost immediately after the close of escrow. According to Handler, a professional home inspector characterized the 1937-built residence as “the most toxic environment” he had encountered, warning her that the property would be uninhabitable for at least two years.
The most significant allegation involves the home’s integrity. Handler quipped about the irony of Kennedy’s current federal role overseeing national health.
“That’s how f—ed up this house was—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,” Handler said during the episode.
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Illegal Structures and Undisclosed Issues
The transaction, which Handler reportedly conducted through her sister Simone’s trust, was initially “under wraps,” leaving the comedian unaware of the sellers’ identities. As the inspection process concluded, Handler alleges her team discovered an “illegal” outdoor storage unit on the property that had to be removed.
Handler expressed frustration over the late discovery of these issues, questioning how the structures bypassed initial scrutiny. The situation was further complicated by a handwritten note from Cheryl Hines, offering assistance to the new owner—a gesture Handler dismissed given the state of the infrastructure.
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The Brentwood Real Estate Shuffle
Despite the friction surrounding the sale, the Kennedy-Hines family did not move far. Public records indicate the couple purchased a separate residence on the same Brentwood street for $6.6 million shortly after the sale to Handler.
The original estate features:
- Five bedrooms and extensive living space.
- A classic 1930s architectural design.
- A private swimming pool and landscaped grounds.
While Handler maintains she is “totally over it,” the property remains a work in progress. The dispute highlights the complexities of high-end celebrity real estate transactions, where “as-is” clauses often clash with post-purchase discoveries of environmental or structural hazards.
Representatives for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Department of Health and Human Services have not yet issued a formal response to Handler’s claims regarding the property’s condition.
