Celebrity squatter Madison Cowan leaves Food Network, but theft remains prevalent in NYC

Another victory for law and order in New York City: Madison Cowan, a Food Network squatter, has been forced out of his residence.

This celebrity chef took advantage of the legal confusion surrounding squatting in NYC for 4 ½ years, accumulating over $145,000 in unpaid rent on a property in Boerum Hill, not making any payments since January 2020.

Initially, he used the state’s COVID-era eviction moratorium to stay put.

After the moratorium ended in 2022, he evaded eviction through a legal system that favors individuals like him and puts the burden on rightful owners.

Fortunately, he is now gone.

However, the property owner does not expect to recoup the six-figure sum owed by Cowan.

What Cowan did is equivalent to stealing over $145,000 from someone else’s bank account.

Unfortunately, he is likely to escape consequences.

This is not the first time Cowan has engaged in such activities, as he also failed to pay rent on a different property several years ago.

While it is positive that he is no longer in the property, this situation highlights important lessons for lawmakers in New York City and the state.

Squatting is not always due to poverty; it can also be fueled by greed and disregard for others.

Lawmakers must continue addressing this issue, possibly by implementing a faster removal process for such cases.

The prolonged duration Cowan spent in the property shows the need for immediate action.

Otherwise, individuals may be encouraged by his actions to engage in similar behavior.