A Bethesda-based investor has found himself locked in a bitter standoff with actor Kevin Spacey, who is allegedly refusing to vacate his luxury Baltimore home after losing out at a foreclosure auction for $3.24 million.
Investor Sam Askari acquired the waterfront property, which sits on a pier extending into the Patapsco River, for a bargain price at auction in Baltimore County Court.
But what seemed like a smooth deal quickly turned into a headache as the embattled actor reportedly wouldn’t hand over the keys.
“At the moment, he refuses to leave,” a military officer revealed to Baltimore sign“He is asking for six months to leave the property without paying anything.”
Askari added that Spacey’s refusal to leave forced him to enter into negotiations with the actor’s lawyer.
But Edward U. Lee III, Spacey’s attorney, has responded to the allegations.
“The accusation made by Mr. Askari is false,” he told the newspaper.
The newspaper has reached out to Lee directly for additional comment.
The 9,000-square-foot property, once called “the most extraordinary home in Baltimore,” was Spacey’s headquarters during a tumultuous period after he was fired from the hit Netflix series “House of Cards” following multiple allegations of sexual assault.
The “American Beauty” actor originally purchased the home for $5.65 million in 2017, making Asgari’s acquisition a great deal — until complications began.
Askari, who made local headlines earlier this year for purchasing the childhood home of Baltimore legend Johns Hopkins, has reportedly been trying to seize the property for about three weeks, only to find himself embroiled in a legal battle with Spacey’s team.
Asgari’s purchase was sealed with a $100,000 deposit. Once the sale is approved by the courts, Asgari may be able to begin eviction proceedings, possibly with the help of sheriff’s deputies.
“The sale of Mr. Spacey’s home marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for this iconic home,” Sam Schipani of Compass, which previously listed the home for sale, told The Washington Post.
“This transaction is not only a real estate achievement, but also a reflection of the deep history and unique architecture of Baltimore,” said Shebani. “We are very excited to see how the potential new owners will leave their mark on this unique piece of Baltimore history.”
During a tearful interview in June with Piers Morgan, Spacey admitted, “I’m not quite sure where I’m going to live right now,” admitting that he was drowning in debt, unable to pay legal fees, and had to move his belongings into storage.
The mansion was foreclosed on after Spacey defaulted on his $20,230 monthly mortgage payments — money he has struggled to maintain following his ouster from “House of Cards” and subsequent legal battles.
Jurors sided with Spacey in a high-profile Manhattan case, while a London jury acquitted him of sexual assault charges just nine months ago.
As Spacey’s battle to keep his home continues, a two-part documentary, “Spacey Unmasked,” now showing on Max, explores his past — one that the actor has publicly condemned for its lack of justice.
While he has high-profile friends like Sharon Stone and Liam Neeson by his side, Spacey’s future — and his residency — remains in the dark.
In Baltimore, where Spacey has kept a low profile, locals have occasionally spotted the star walking his dog or enjoying a meal at the posh Sagamore Pendry Hotel.
But with the eviction imminent, Spacey may soon be back singing the blues — perhaps back on stage at Baltimore’s Casestone Corner jazz club, where he performed unannounced.
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