Hulu Docuseries Spotlights Alleged Malibu Squatter Ellie Mae McNulty
A Hulu documentary series has reignited scrutiny of a woman accused of repeatedly taking over private homes in Malibu, California. Episode two of "Squatters: Get the F* Out of My House," titled "The Paradise of Malibu," premiered on June 17, 2026 and centers on Ellie Mae McNulty, a British actress and screenwriter who has earned the label of a serial squatter.
McNulty’s troubles began in 2021 when she was invited to stay at the Point Dume home of artist and stage‑IV cancer patient Alden Marin. Marin allegedly let her stay for a few days while his house was being finished, but the arrangement stretched to a month. During that time, McNulty is said to have used Marin’s credit cards, changed the locks while he was hospitalized, and clogged the plumbing by flushing cloth napkins down the toilet. Marin’s sister, Mindy Marin, reported that McNulty demanded up to $20,000 to leave. Marin filed a lawsuit in 2022, and a judge ordered McNulty to vacate the property.
McNulty’s alleged pattern is not isolated to Marin. Vanity Fair and other outlets have documented at least ten legal cases spanning nearly twenty years. Victims include an 80‑year‑old Santa Monica yoga teacher who claimed McNulty failed to pay rent and classes, and an elderly widow who said McNulty exploited California’s tenant‑friendly laws to stay in her home. In each case, homeowners reported that McNulty would charm guests into staying, then refuse to leave when asked.
California’s tenancy statutes allow a guest who stays for an extended period to be treated as a tenant, limiting eviction options for homeowners. Court filings cited this framework to explain why homeowners struggled to remove McNulty. The Hulu series uses these cases to illustrate how state laws can be weaponized by individuals who occupy homes without paying rent.
Produced by Hulu’s investigative unit, the docuseries is part of a broader trend of streaming platforms tackling real‑world housing disputes. In the episode, former homeowners and legal experts discuss the challenges of enforcing eviction orders when a person is considered a tenant under California law. Attorneys explain the procedural steps required to remove a squatter who has been in a property for more than 30 days.
While the series has drawn criticism from some who argue it sensationalizes private disputes, producers say the footage is based on court documents and public statements. The Hulu press release notes that the episode was filmed in 2025 and edited with input from the homeowners involved.
The release has sparked renewed discussion among Malibu residents and legal scholars about the balance between tenant protections and homeowners’ rights. The California Department of Consumer Affairs has not issued new guidance, but local news outlets report that homeowners are seeking clearer legal remedies.
At present, no further legal actions against McNulty have been announced. The series concludes by reminding viewers that the legal system can be slow and that homeowners may need professional assistance to enforce eviction orders.
The episode’s release brings the issue of squatting and tenant law to a national audience, underscoring the complexities of property rights in California’s highly regulated rental market.
