Malibu, California – Barbra Streisand’s film company, Barwood Films Ltd., received $200,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) money that was intended to support small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to sources. The company, which employs a groundskeeper at Streisand’s $20 million mansion, had the loans written off by the federal government. Streisand, a multimillionaire and renowned actress, singer, and director, was not available for comment.
Barwood Films Ltd. received loans from the PPP in both 2020 and 2021. Among the employees paid through the company were a groundskeeper responsible for maintaining Streisand’s gardens and an “executive support” employee. Although Streisand’s spokesman denied that the groundskeeper was paid with taxpayer funds, it has been confirmed that the groundskeeper was indeed employed by Barwood Films when the company received PPP loans.
Streisand, who is worth an estimated $430 million, is known for her extravagant lifestyle. Her Malibu mansion, where the company is registered, features meticulously tended gardens and even a replica antique shopping mall in the basement. The gardens, with over 3,000 rose bushes alone, have been described as an “idyllic oasis.” Streisand frequently shares photos of her gardens on Instagram, including a lovingly tended gravesite for her cloned pet Coton de Tulear, Samantha.
Barwood Films qualified as a “small business” for PPP assistance, which was designed to prevent mass unemployment. The company received $103,662 in 2020 and $103,127 in 2021. To have their loans forgiven, PPP recipients had to spend at least 60% of the funds on payroll and not cut workers’ pay. Barwood Films met these criteria and had their loans forgiven, resulting in a net gain of $209,069 from the taxpayer-funded program.
The news of Streisand’s company benefiting from PPP loans raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the program. Despite the loans being intended for struggling small businesses, many larger entities have also received funds. The Small Business Administration has forgiven the majority of the $793 billion in PPP loans issued so far.
Barwood Films is registered to the office of Lester Knispel, a money manager who is also the assistant secretary of the Barbra Streisand Foundation. The foundation manages money for various clients, including Sylvester Stallone and members of the Kardashian family.
In conclusion, Barbra Streisand’s film company, Barwood Films Ltd., received $200,000 in PPP money that was intended for small businesses affected by the pandemic. The loans were written off by the federal government, raising concerns about the fairness of the program. Streisand’s extravagant lifestyle and the lavish gardens at her Malibu mansion add to the scrutiny surrounding the issue. The PPP has been criticized for allowing larger entities to benefit from the program, diverting funds from smaller businesses in need.