Around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic’s arrival, David Dobrik and his ubiquitous Vlog Squad circle of friends were riding high as YouTube’s hottest flavors of the moment. Dobrik, born in Slovakia and raised in a middle-class suburb of Chicago, had amassed tens of millions of social media followers and billions of YouTube views on his main channel alone. Celebrities including Justin Bieber, John Stamos, Kylie Jenner and Courteney Cox had all appeared in his weekly vlogs. In the world of social media, Dobrik had achieved the rare A-list status of “clout king” — he’d made it into the influencer hall of fame.
Last year, Dobrik paid $9.5 million for an all-new contemporary mansion in the hills of Sherman Oaks. He also launched a controversial $30 puzzle, which sold 17,000 units in just one hour. In addition to numerous sponsorship deals with major companies (Chipotle, SeatGeek, Honey) he also hosted the first season of Discovery Channel’s “Dodgeball Thunderdome.” Last March, the Wall Street Journal called him “Gen-Z’s Jimmy Fallon.”
That was then, however, and Dobrik’s public image has since suffered a major tarnishing. It began when several ex-members of the Vlog Squad — including his former BFF Trisha Paytas — accused Dobrik of bullying and producing deeply offensive content. More damning, however, was a March 2021 Insider article that first published rape allegations against a former Vlog Squad member. Dobrik also received harsh criticism for seriously injuring his friend Jeff Wittek during a “stunt” filmed for another his vlogs.
Since then, Dobrik has released two apology videos, both to decidedly mixed reactions. But the business reckoning was swift, decisive and brutal: Dobrik was definitely “cancelled.” The 24-year-old was dropped by numerous sponsors, lost millions of subscribers, and his entire YouTube channel was subsequently demonetized. He also stepped away from the Dispo app he cofounded to leave the internet on a hiatus that lasted until just this week, when he returned to YouTube with a new vlog.
To coincide with his return — or more likely because it’s an expensive drag on his finances — Dobrik has put one of his two L.A. homes up for sale. Bought by the social star in 2017, the Studio City structure served as his main residence until his move to Sherman Oaks, and was been the scene of numerous filmed pranks, including one where he filled the entire property with green foam. Should Dobrik get anywhere near the nearly $3.5 million, he stands to make a big profit; records reveal he paid less than $2.6 million for the place.
Built in 1953 but since extensively renovated and expanded, the architecturally indeterminate structure is generically contemporary within but vaguely Mediterranean/Spanish from outside, with its red tile roof and hacienda-like build. The house sits behind gates at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac; inside, there are hardwood floors, spacious living and dining rooms, and a kitchen with top-of-the-line Wolf and SubZero appliances. The decor is mostly white, inoffensive and anonymous.
Within the 2,900-square-foot home are also three bedrooms, all of them with ensuite bathrooms, plus an office that could be a fourth bedroom. The master suite, like many rooms in the home, features direct access to the backyard via sliding glass pocket doors.
Undoubtedly the property’s best feature are its sweeping views over a wide swath of the San Fernando Valley. Out back, a grassy lawn is perfect for anyone’s outdoor romps, be they human or otherwise. A built-in outdoor kitchen/BBQ services a bar area and firepit seating space beyond. However, the property lacks a pool — perhaps an unfortunate omission at a nearly $3.5 million Los Angeles home.
Safir Shamsi of Rodeo Realty holds the listing.