Richard Gere has become the focus of a heated debate involving the sale of Paul Simon’s former family residence, sparking what some are calling a new Richard Gere property controversy. The dispute intensified after Lulu Simon, Paul Simon’s daughter, publicly criticized Gere for selling the Connecticut home to a developer, raising concerns among preservationists and fans alike.
Lulu Simon Voices Her Outrage Over Home Sale
For years, Richard Gere was largely associated with his charming on-screen roles, such as in “Pretty Woman” and “An Officer and a Gentleman.” Recently, however, Gere’s reputation has drawn scrutiny after Lulu Simon took to Instagram to air her grievances about his handling of her childhood home, a property historically tied to her father, the acclaimed musician Paul Simon.
According to Lulu Simon, when Gere purchased the Connecticut estate, he reassured the Simon family that he would preserve the land. She says those promises were broken when Gere decided not to move in and ultimately sold the house to a developer, resulting in plans to divide the property into multiple housing lots. The emotional toll of this decision led Simon to express strong resentment on social media, accompanying a photo of Gere and the former home with the words “Hate! Him!” to emphasize her dismay.
“Just in case anyone was wondering if I still hate Richard Gere – I do! He bought my childhood home. Promised he would take care of the land as condition of his purchase. Proceeded to never actually move in & just sold it to a developer as nine separate plots :).
— Lulu Simon, Daughter of Paul Simon
Community and Preservationist Pushback
Lulu Simon’s reaction to the sale has not been solitary. Members of the local community and historic preservation advocates have joined the chorus of concern, alarmed by plans to demolish the 1930s mansion and replace it with modern apartments. Preservationists believe that losing the landmark not only affects the family who once lived there but also threatens the broader historic and cultural fabric of the neighborhood.
Although other opponents have voiced their objections, none appear as emotionally charged as Lulu Simon. She ended her online statements with a particularly pointed message aimed at Gere:
“I hope my dead pets buried in that backyard haunt you until you descend into a slow and unrelenting madness.”
— Lulu Simon, Daughter of Paul Simon
This final comment references “Pet Sematary,” the Stephen King novel known for its chilling storyline, which fans may recall has seen multiple film adaptations. The comparison brings an added layer of emotional intensity to her criticism, as she imagines repercussions for what she feels is a betrayal.
Broader Implications and What Lies Ahead
The Richard Gere property controversy has underscored deeper tensions, not just between the Gere and Simon families but also among those invested in historic preservation versus real estate development. While impacted locals and preservationists continue seeking ways to prevent the mansion’s demolition, Gere himself has remained largely silent on the issue, in line with his reputation as a practicing Buddhist known for avoiding public confrontations.
Paul Simon, widely celebrated for his gentle music, has not publicly responded to the situation, preferring, as some observers note, the “sound of silence.” As efforts to halt the development proceed, the fate of the Connecticut estate hangs in the balance, reflecting ongoing debates about the responsibilities of celebrity property owners and the importance of maintaining community heritage.
