A Los Angeles couple seeking to demolish the home where Marilyn Monroe died has suffered another major legal defeat in their effort to replace the property with a new mansion.
On Wednesday, a federal judge in California’s Central District dismissed a lawsuit filed by homeowners Roy Bank and Brinah Milstein, marking a significant setback in their long-running battle with the city of Los Angeles over the future of the iconic residence.
The couple filed the lawsuit in January after Los Angeles officials designated the property — the home Monroe owned during the final six months of her life — as a Historic-Cultural Monument, blocking plans to demolish it.
In their lawsuit, the homeowners argued that the city carried out an “unconstitutional taking” of their property by blocking their redevelopment plans.
Roy Bank and Brinah Milstein purchased the property for more than $8 million in 2023 and had already secured demolition and construction permits before city officials reversed course, according to the complaint.
Los Angeles later granted the famed 1929 Spanish-style bungalow Historic-Cultural Monument status in 2024, despite the couple claiming they had spent roughly $30,000 obtaining the necessary approvals to tear it down.
The homeowners alleged the designation was imposed “without any public purpose or just compensation.”
“Not a trace of Ms. Monroe’s short tenure at the house remains at the property or in the house — and the house has been substantially altered by successive owners over more than sixty years,” the lawsuit stated.
The single-family home in Brentwood, situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in one of Los Angeles’ wealthiest neighborhoods, has since become a major tourist attraction tied to Monroe’s legacy.
Marilyn Monroe died at age 36 from an overdose in August 1962.
The current homeowners also claimed they were forced to hire private security after intruders allegedly broke into the property searching for Monroe memorabilia.
The “Some Like It Hot” star purchased the Brentwood residence in February 1962, shortly after divorcing playwright Arthur Miller.
Just six months later, Monroe was found dead in the home from what the coroner described as “acute barbiturate poisoning.” Her death was officially ruled an overdose and deemed a probable suicide.
Despite the latest court defeat, the couple’s attorney said the legal battle is far from over.
“The court’s decision is a bit surprising, but it’s not over. We are preparing our next steps in this case,” Pacific Legal Foundation attorney J. David Breemer told People magazine.
