Elon Musk is seeking to foreclose on a home once owned by Gene Wilder and later sold to his nephew.
Musk reportedly lent money to film director Jordan Walker Perlman and his wife, Elizabeth Hunter, when they wanted to live in a home once owned by Walker Perlman's uncle, Gene Wilder. Musk reportedly owned the home but sold it to Walker Perlman at a reduced price in 2020, then lent him the money to buy it. The Wall Street Journal.
The home was a treasured memory for Walker Pearlman, who reportedly lived in it as a child. He and Hunter have since fallen behind on their payments to Musk, and a default notice revealed that the billionaire is trying to foreclose on the property, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Actor Gene Wilder plays Willy Wonka on the set of “The Chocolate Factory,” a film based on the Roald Dahl novel, in 1971. (Photo: Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
According to The Wall Street Journal, Musk originally asked $9.5 million when he put the house on the market, but then lowered the price to $7 million for Walker Pearlman and his wife. Musk also reportedly offered to loan $6.7 million for the property. The Journal reported that the couple are unable to keep up with rent payments and can no longer afford to keep the house.
Musk then moved to recoup his money by serving a foreclosure notice on Walker Pearlman and his wife in July, the outlet reported, and has since put the home up for sale for $12.95 million. According to list.
Walker Pearlman told the magazine that he holds no hard feelings over the matter and doesn't view Musk's decision to seize the property as “hostile or spiteful.”
CANNES, FRANCE – JUNE 19: Elon Musk attends the “Exploring New Frontiers of Innovation: A Conversation with Elon Musk and Mark Read” session during day three of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2024 on June 19, 2024 in Cannes, France. (Photo by Mark Piasecki/Getty Images)
The filmmaker told The Wall Street Journal that the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike has hit him hard financially, making it difficult for him to maintain a life with his wife.
“There's no tragedy here,” Walker Pearlman told the outlet.
“Elon gave us a magical opportunity. I have no complaints,” he was quoted as saying.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 13: Jordan Walker-Pearlman attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Love, Gilda held at the Pickford Center for Motion Study on September 13, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images via Magnolia Pictures)
He also explained the pressure the loan put on his family.
“She no longer wanted to owe Elon any moral debt,” Walker Pearlman told The Wall Street Journal, referring to his wife, noting that the property was in her name.
“We already owe him a great deal of emotional debt,” he was quoted as saying.
The home is 2,756 square feet and sits above the Bel-Air Country Club, according to a listing. The “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” star sold the house in 2007 for $2.725 million, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing records. He passed away in 2016.
Walker Pearlman told the outlet that he fully understands that Musk was forced to move forward with the foreclosure on the property. (RELATED: 'I Had No Money': Sharon Stone Explains How She Lost $18 Million)
“This will be the end of a very unicorn, beautiful chapter in our lives,” he was quoted as saying after reflecting on his time at Home. “I have no complaints whatsoever.”
