Real Estate Tycoon Disowns Son Amid $2 Million Investment Scam

LOS ANGELES, CA – In a shocking turn of events, real estate mogul Donald Bren has publicly disowned his son, David Bren, following accusations of a $2 million investment scam involving a purported luxury club for car enthusiasts.

David Bren, 33, allegedly misled investors with a business called “The Bunker,” which he described as the “ultimate man cave” for the wealthy. According to lawsuit documents, investors were promised exclusive access to luxury vehicles, dining experiences, and high-end amenities.

However, multiple backers claim the entire venture was fabricated, with losses reported in six figures for many investors from 2020 to 2022. One notable investor fled California, and another was found dead in his garage under tragic circumstances, as reported by the LA Times.

In a statement to The New York Post, Paul Hernandez, spokesperson for Donald Bren and the Irvine Company, confirmed the rift, stating, “We do not have a personal or business relationship with this individual.” Donald Bren, at 93, has a net worth estimated at $19 billion.

The supposed members of “The Bunker” included high-profile individuals like Mark Cuban and Larry Ellison, who were led to believe that they would pay a monthly fee for exclusive privileges. David promised to store supercars in Beverly Hills while securing a $90 million deal to acquire the Mr. C’s Beverly Hills Hotel.

Lawsuits accuse David Bren of using deceptive tactics to solicit investments, portraying the club as a near reality while describing it as a “charade designed to lure investors.” According to one claim, “The Bunker does not exist. There is no ultra-high-end automotive club. The business is a mirage.”

Reports of Donald Bren’s absentee parenting resurfaced during a past trial, where his ex-girlfriend and David, then 11, sought millions in child support. Despite his history, many investors believed David could reach out to his father for help.

Chris Rising, an associate of the Bren family, noted that David’s pitch suggested his father’s accessibility, leading some to trust him based on that implication. “He presented like he could have picked up the phone and called his father right away,” Rising said.

Nanxi Lu, a tech entrepreneur, said she invested $100,000 in 2021 after David assured her he had secured the hotel contract. Initially skeptical, she attended an event where David claimed to showcase The Bunker but found no evidence of its legitimacy.

As the operation began to crumble, investors attempted to reclaim their investments. Bren wrote a check for half a million to two investors, which bounced. When Lu sought a refund, she received only $10,000 amid promises of membership.

Tragedy struck in September 2022 when Tony Chen, a mentor who invested heavily in David’s pitch, was found dead by suicide. His involvement in the case highlights the severe impact of the alleged scam on his and other investors’ lives.

David Bren did not immediately respond to requests for comments concerning the allegations against him.