A Los Angeles couple is taking legal action against the city after being blocked from demolishing the property where Marilyn Monroe spent her final days. Brinah Milstein and Roy Bank filed a lawsuit accusing the city of illegal conduct for preventing them from tearing down the Brentwood home, which they purchased for $8.5 million.
The couple had planned to expand the residence next door, but were told they could not demolish the Monroe property as it is in the process of being declared a historical landmark. The lawsuit argues that the house does not meet the criteria for a Historic-Cultural Monument and that there is no physical evidence of Monroe ever living there.
Monroe, who died at the age of 36 in 1962, had been living in the home for six months before her passing. Despite the lack of evidence linking Monroe to the property, the city council halted the demolition and began the process of declaring it a historical landmark, much to the excitement of history buffs and Monroe fans.
The lawsuit claims that the city council’s actions have caused “irreparable damage” to the couple, including $30,000 in demolition-related expenses and stripping them of their property rights. The final decision on the property’s historical monument certification will be made by mid-June after the application goes before the full city council. Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing legal battle.