Julia Roberts has made headlines after declining to sell her $8 million Malibu home to Meghan Markle, citing concerns over the Duchess’s alleged imitation of the actress.
Reports suggest that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are considering a move to Malibu from their current residence in Montecito, aiming to be closer to Hollywood.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been exploring real estate options in Malibu, with a particular interest in a £6.4 million six-acre plot overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
However, their attempts to purchase a property previously owned by Julia Roberts were thwarted when the actress decided to sell it to another celebrity instead.
Despite Meghan’s apparent interest in the villa, which was previously owned by Roberts, negotiations between the two parties failed to reach a successful conclusion.
The property, not publicly listed, was part of a quiet $8 million deal between Julia Roberts and her husband, Danny Moda, marking a modest increase from its original purchase price of £6.4 million in 2016.
Sources close to the situation revealed that Julia Roberts harbored reservations about selling the mansion to Meghan, fearing the proximity of the Duchess as a neighbor.
Allegations surfaced that Meghan had exhibited behaviors resembling a fixation on the actress, including imitating her style and outfits, leading to Roberts’s decision to sell the property to someone else.
Recent media coverage of Meghan Markle’s appearance on the cover of Variety magazine’s Power of Women issue has sparked further speculation about her behavior.
Body language expert Judy James suggested that Meghan’s demeanor in the interview mirrored that of Julia Roberts, particularly drawing comparisons to the actress’s iconic roles such as in “Pretty Woman.”
Currently residing in an £11.15 million mansion in Montecito, the Sussexes are contemplating a permanent move to Malibu, seeking a balance between proximity to Hollywood for career opportunities and privacy away from the public eye.
TMZ reports indicate discussions about selling their Montecito home to facilitate the transition to Malibu.
Harry and Meghan’s potential relocation to Malibu comes as they aim to revitalize their careers following mixed outcomes from their collaborations with Netflix and Spotify.
The Malibu property offers seclusion and security, appealing to the couple’s desire for a more private lifestyle while remaining within reach of Hollywood’s bustling entertainment industry.