'Selfish billionaire': Chip Wilson's mansion vandalized after political sign erected outside
Days after a political sign was erected outside Chip Wilson's Vancouver mansion, the waterfront property has been vandalized with graffiti.
Spray-painted messages, including "Selfish billionaire lives here" and "F*** you Chip," were spotted on the lavish Point Grey home over the weekend.
The Vancouver Police Department confirmed officers received a report of the vandalism Monday, but provided few other details, including when the graffiti was first discovered and whether the incident was potentially captured on surveillance video.
"All I can say on that is we are conducting an investigation," Sgt. Steve Addison said at an unrelated news conference Monday. "We're investigating that offence as we would from any other citizen or resident in the City of Vancouver who reported a mischief to us."
The political sign that was recently put up outside the property drew significant criticism online, with some social media users taking issue with its characterization of David Eby and his B.C. NDP government.
"Eby will tell you the Conservatives are 'far right,' but neglects saying that the NDP is ‘communist,'" the sign reads.
Since taking power in 2017, the provincial NDP has increased taxes on homes assessed over $3 million and increased income tax on the top two per cent of earners. Wilson’s home was most recently assessed at nearly $82 million.
Eby defended the government's policies when asked about the sign at Wilson's home last week, suggesting the Lululemon founder was out of touch with the general public.
"When you are so rich that the Red Hot Chili Peppers play your birthday party, it's possible to lose perspective," he said. "I would just say to Mr. Wilson: People are struggling out there, and we need to provide support to them."
BC Conservative Leader John Rustad weighed in on the matter Monday, posting to social media to say Wilson would not qualify for his promised rebate for renters and homeowners.
"Sorry Chip. A Conservative Party of B.C. government isn’t going to give billionaires special tax breaks,” he wrote on X. "I’m fighting to make life more affordable for hardworking, everyday (British Columbians) — not billionaires."
It's unclear who erected the sign outside the property. CTV News reached out to a representative for Wilson last Thursday but did not hear back.
With files from CTV News Vancouver's Lisa Steacy
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