Mortgage Mayhem: Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson's $22M Loans Amid Money Troubles and Rumored Split

Jessica Simpson and her husband, former NFL star Eric Johnson, have taken out over $22 million in loans on their opulent Hidden Hills mansion, raising questions about the couple’s finances and sparking rumors of a potential split after a decade of marriage. Despite the whispers of financial struggles and relationship troubles, the two have not publicly confirmed any separation or filed for divorce.

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Property records reveal a complex series of financial maneuvers on the home, which Simpson purchased in 2013 from Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne for $11.5 million under her “Dixie Trail Trust.” Initially, in 2015, Simpson and Johnson took out a $7.3 million mortgage on the property with JPMorgan Chase, followed by an $8 million loan in 2017. Additional loans with other lenders — $3.65 million with Platinum Loan Servicing Inc. and $3.04 million with the Bank of Southern California — brought the total loan amount to over $22 million. Although they have continued to meet these loan obligations, the sheer scale of the debt has fueled speculation about the couple’s financial standing.

An Oasis of Luxury in Hidden Hills

Simpson and Johnson’s estate in the celebrity-favored, gated community of Hidden Hills is a stunning example of luxury California real estate. This 13,274-square-foot home, nestled on 2.25 acres of land, boasts an impressive eight bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. Blending Cape Cod-inspired design with contemporary elegance, the home is secluded at the end of a cul-de-sac, offering both privacy and sweeping views of the city and nearby mountains.

The house is built for both entertaining and family life, featuring a grand spiral staircase that makes a memorable first impression. A large family room is warmed by a reclaimed brick fireplace and framed by oversized sliding barn doors, giving the space a rustic, yet refined look. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, creating a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors.

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The kitchen is truly a chef’s dream, with high-end Wolf appliances, a spacious center island, a walk-in pantry, and a charming breakfast nook where Simpson has shared glimpses of cozy family mornings with her children, Maxwell, Ace, and Birdie. The master suite is a luxurious retreat within the home, complete with a fireplace, a wood-paneled walk-in closet, and an adjacent office for quiet moments or remote work. Outdoor spaces add to the estate’s allure, with expansive lawns, a spa, a shallow pool, and numerous seating areas designed for lounging, socializing, and relaxation. A separate guesthouse provides additional living space, suitable for an office or gym, and a four-car garage adds a practical touch.

Financial Struggles and the Fight to Save Her Brand

Simpson’s financial challenges have become public knowledge over the years, with the singer and entrepreneur candidly discussing her journey to reclaim control of the Jessica Simpson Collection, the billion-dollar brand she co-founded with her mother, Tina, in 2005. The business grew rapidly, becoming a household name and a major force in fashion retail. However, in 2015, Sequential Brands Group acquired a controlling stake in the business, leaving Simpson with a 37.5% ownership share.

In 2021, when Sequential Brands filed for bankruptcy, Simpson was forced to make a difficult decision. Determined to regain full control of her company, she and her mother placed a $65 million bid, a move funded by a mix of loans and family contributions. “I drained everything to buy it back,” Simpson revealed in an interview, explaining the extent of her financial commitment to the business. Her decision meant taking on significant personal financial risk, even to the point of not having a working credit card at one point. “I went to Taco Bell the other day and my card got denied,” she admitted on The Real, highlighting her willingness to prioritize her brand’s future over her own financial comfort.

For Simpson, the choice to regain control of her brand was deeply personal. “With money, there’s just so much fear attached to it,” she said, acknowledging the anxiety that can come with financial instability. Despite these struggles, Simpson has remained resolute, regularly showcasing pieces from her collection on social media and discussing her plans to expand the brand further.

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Rumors of a Rocky Marriage and Separate Lives

Alongside these financial hurdles, Jessica and Eric’s relationship has faced scrutiny, with rumors circulating that the couple may be living separate lives. The two celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary this year, but Simpson’s failure to acknowledge the milestone on social media fueled speculation about the state of their marriage. Observers noted that she has been spotted without her wedding ring in recent months, and Eric has been noticeably absent from her social media posts. Even during recent family gatherings, such as Easter, the couple appeared together with their children but did not pose side-by-side.

Jessica’s recent post from her Nashville music room, where she announced new music, further hinted at personal challenges. She wrote, “This comeback is personal, it’s an apology to myself for putting up with everything I did not deserve,” a statement that many fans interpreted as a veiled reference to her marriage. Her return to music seems to be both a professional and personal endeavor, a chance for Simpson to reconnect with her passions and redefine herself after years of business and family commitments.

Looking to the Future with Resilience and Renewal

Though Jessica and Eric put their Hidden Hills mansion on the market for $22 million in September 2023, they later removed the listing in August 2024. This move leaves questions about their future — will they remain in Los Angeles, or could they be considering a more permanent move to Nashville, where Simpson has been spending more time and working on new music?

Despite the rumors and financial strains, Simpson’s determination remains clear. She’s shown a fierce commitment to her brand, her family, and her own personal growth. Reflecting on her drive and resilience, she once shared, “I’ll put it all out there if it’s me that’s driving the show, because I believe in myself... And I know that nothing will stop me, and if you try to stop me, I’ll try harder.”

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Her journey has been anything but conventional, marked by financial gambles, a high-profile marriage, and a struggle to maintain her footing in a demanding industry. Simpson’s story is one of both public and private battles, of a woman unafraid to push her limits in pursuit of a vision that’s entirely her own. As she embarks on her latest “personal comeback,” fans and critics alike are watching closely, anticipating what the next chapter holds for the multi-talented star.