The Celebrity Discount? Denzel Washington Got Cut-Rate Price For Luxury Apartment In Exchange For Publicity, New Tell-All Claims
Mar. 14 2014, Published 1:17 p.m. ET
Denzel Washington has a net worth of roughly $140 million. But according to a new real estate tell-all, he appreciates a good deal as much as anybody else! The juicy new book, House of Outrageous Fortune by Michael Gross, reveals never-before-discussed details about Washington's purchase of a luxury condo at Manhattan's tony Fifteen Central Park West -- including, Gross claims, how his realtor used his celeb status to negotiate a better deal!
According to several sources connected with the building, Gross writes, Washington's realtor Michael Bolla "was a tough negotiator who insisted that Washington not pay full price."
"So in exchange for a small discount," on the $13 million pad, Gross claims, "the developers were given permission to publicize his purchase."
Bolla denied the claim, telling Gross, "We never authorized that," but admitting Washington "didn't care."
Gross claims that public records indicate Washington did receive a small discount, even if the true reason is in dispute.
But regardless, "within a week" of Washington's purchase, Gross writes, "the Wall Street Journal's Private Properties column led with the story, which was sourced to 'people familiar with the deal.'"
Do you think it's fair for rich celebs like Washington to get a price cut? Let us know in the comments!