Abandoned LA mansion tied to bin Laden family and used as porn location taken off the market — after years of price cuts

New York Post - Apr 11th, 2025
Open on New York Post

A historic Los Angeles estate previously owned by Ibrahim bin Laden, half-brother of Osama bin Laden, was removed from the market after failing to secure a buyer despite significant price reductions over several years. Originally listed for $28 million in 2021, the price was cut to $21.5 million but still attracted no viable offers, with interested parties only proposing further reductions for demolition. The property, a 7,100-square-foot Mediterranean-style villa, has suffered severe vandalism and neglect, rendering it uninhabitable. Built in 1931 on a large Bel-Air lot, the estate has a rich history, having been home to notable Hollywood figures like Arthur Freed. However, the stigma of the bin Laden name and the property's deteriorated condition have complicated its sale.

Ibrahim bin Laden acquired the property in 1983 for $1.65 million and lived there with his then-wife Christine Hartunian Sinay. After the 9/11 attacks, Ibrahim, who was abroad at the time, chose not to return to the US, leading to the estate's abandonment. Over the years, the mansion was leased out and even used as a filming location for adult films. Although located near the prestigious Hotel Bel-Air, the estate's disrepair has overshadowed its prime location. Marketed primarily for its land value, the villa's future remains uncertain, with no current plans for demolition, despite being described as 'ready for redoing' in listings. The situation highlights the challenges faced when dealing with properties associated with controversial figures and the impact of historical stigma on real estate values.

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RATING

6.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides an intriguing and largely accurate account of a property with a complex history, combining elements of real estate, historical significance, and controversy. Its strengths lie in its clear narrative structure, engaging subject matter, and the inclusion of historical context. However, the article would benefit from greater transparency in sourcing, more diverse perspectives, and further verification of certain claims. While it captures readers' attention and has the potential to provoke discussion, its long-term impact on public discourse is limited by a focus on sensational aspects. Overall, the story is informative and engaging, but it could be enhanced by providing more comprehensive insights into the property's future and broader implications.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story provides a detailed account of the property owned by Ibrahim bin Laden, with specific details about its history, ownership, and current status. The factual claims, such as the property's initial listing price of $28 million in 2021 and its subsequent reduction to $21.5 million, align with publicly available information. The description of the property's condition and its use as a filming location for adult content also appears to be supported by historical reports. However, certain aspects, such as the exact nature of the offers made for the property and the intentions behind them, lack detailed verification. Additionally, the claim about the absence of demolition plans requires further confirmation, as local records do not show documentation for such plans. Overall, the story is largely accurate but would benefit from more explicit verification of certain claims.

7
Balance

The article presents a balanced view of the property's history and current status, providing insights into its past grandeur and present state of disrepair. It includes perspectives on both the potential value of the land and the challenges posed by the property's condition. However, the focus is primarily on the sensational aspects of its history, such as its ties to the bin Laden family and its use in adult films, which may overshadow other relevant perspectives, such as potential redevelopment opportunities or community impacts. The article could be more balanced by including viewpoints from real estate experts or local residents.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information from the property's history to its current market status. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the key points. The use of historical context, such as the property's past ownership and notable residents, adds depth to the narrative. However, the article could improve clarity by explicitly identifying sources and providing more detailed explanations of certain claims, such as the lack of demolition plans.

6
Source quality

The article relies on information from a source referred to as 'The Post,' which is not clearly identified, raising questions about the source's credibility and reliability. The story references Steve Coll's book, "The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century," which is a reputable source for historical context. However, the lack of diverse sources or direct quotes from involved parties, such as real estate agents or local authorities, limits the overall source quality. Greater attribution and a wider variety of sources would enhance the credibility of the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context about the property's history and current market status, but it lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. The identity of 'The Post' is not clarified, and there is no disclosure of how the information was obtained. The absence of direct quotations or references to specific documents, such as real estate listings or local records, reduces the transparency of the reporting. The article would benefit from clearer explanations of how the information was gathered and any potential conflicts of interest.

Sources

  1. https://americanmilitarynews.com/2022/10/the-bin-laden-family-owns-a-23m-mansion-in-los-angeles-used-for-porn-shoots/
  2. https://torontosun.com/news/world/brother-of-osama-bin-laden-puts-bel-air-mansion-on-market
  3. https://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/2789065_Abandoned-LA-mansion-tied-to-bin-Laden-family-and-used-as-porn-location-taken-off-the-market.html
  4. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/392062-osama-bin-laden-s-family-s-bel-air-home-for-sale-after-being-used-to-film-porn-news
  5. https://www.canyon-news.com/bin-laden-home-selling-for-28-million/148607