Fran Lebowitz Knows What to Do with All Those Empty Oligarch Apartments

From the late-night circuit and an HBO documentary to her essays and speaking engagements, Fran Lebowitz has never shied away from a controversial topic. And in this new video, she takes on New York’s much-discussed homelessness problem and immigration. The Vanity Fair contributing editor-who has been likened to a modern-day Dorothy Parker for her razor-sharp wit-stopped by the office to offer her altogether original take.
Credits: Filmed by Vance Spicer; Interview by Cat Buckley; Lighting by Greg Waszczuk; Audio by William Pierce; Edited by Nikhil Shah and Jeremy Elkin.
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Fran Lebowitz Knows What to Do with All Those Empty Oligarch Apartments

[@ewanoxborrow1024]

“If we called it Housless-ness we’d be able to solve the problem” So profound and SO true

[@numsidumsragitsch]

I don't get it. Why does calling it homelessness prevent the problem solving?

[@Unpluggedx89]

@@numsidumsragitsch It makes no difference. He’s just admiring like a beta.

[@guimouro26]

@@Unpluggedx89 ahhahahah

[@nilsmorali7698]

Actually here in France we call these people "sans abri " which basically means "house less ", bit still there are many many on the streets

[@Dark-Bit]

A War on Homelessness. George Carling you gonna love it.

[@keegzwhittal]

Five minutes ago I knew nothing about this women. Now. I want to know everything

[@hendershot01]

Same thing happened to me this week!

[@Timewriter24]

You should go directly to search her HBO documentary.

[@hendershot01]

@@Timewriter24 Thank you! I will watch it.

[@thestreamoflife1124]

@@Istenenergia ur talking rubbish and sounds very racist 😡😠

[@Meechskii]

lmao me too

[@alyssaamos2598]

“The United States is an idea not a culture” most amazing quote ever

[@MrJeeves4me]

You may think it is an "amazing quote" but it's an absolutely false statement. If you don't think there is an American "culture" then try living in another country for a couple of years (not just vacationing or visiting). American culture is the very thing much of the world envies and seeks to imitate. Nonetheless, Fran L., is a fascinating person and great fun to listen to, though much of what she says is not exactly practical to say the least. I remain however, always interested as she is an entertaining and unique personality.

[@charwest9449]

It's the most ignorant thing I've heard all week.

[@getnasty08]

MrJeeves4me you completely missed her point. You’re shocked by the statement, but it’s true. American “culture” would be Native American culture. Modern America is not founded on long established cultural norms - it’s founded on an idea, or series of ideas. Freedom, liberty, justice - they’re not a culture, they’re a system of ideals. The “new world”. America, for its ~243 years has ALWAYS been a melting pot of other “cultures”, a mishmash of people, all leaving behind ways of life in pursuit of the American way. But it has never been a standalone culture.

[@armada854]

@@getnasty08; Melting pot of western europeans, though.

[@charwest9449]

@@armada854 Exactly.

[@gladystoukie]

She is right!!! Obscenely priced apartments with no one living in them and people sleeping on the street!!!!

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Would have been better had she fingered things like Airbnb, though.

[@yolandag.9954]

The problem with "homelessness" is the DRUGS. Homeless can't keep a job b/c they are always high and late. Everybody can make it in the US. There's jobs everywhere so you can pay for a place.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

@@yolandag.9954 - TROLL Acct: You obviously don't understand jobs, drugs, or the homeless.

[@yolandag.9954]

@@tomasinacovell4293 Sadly it's true. nationalhomeless.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Substance-Abuse-and-Homelessness.pdf

[@brapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrap]

Whoever owns them can do whatever they want with them, so suck it.

[@a1ananda]

I’ll never get tired of listening to her talk.

[@dean1964100]

Fran your getting more grumpy ..and I LOVE IT.

[@shawnladd5440]

you're ;)

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

You're is a contraction of you and are. It's really just that simple.

[@eastbackbay]

She’s done with beating around the bush. Her time is running out like she says herself and she wants to be heard.

[@stephaniemoore1930]

@@shawnladd5440 nobody cares

[@leakypfaucet]

“Unhoused” puts the onus on the government. They have failed to house them.

[@darinmoreland1408]

When in actuality they have failed to house themselves

[@katarinatomac4376]

@@darinmoreland1408 no❤️

[@bbcarbo9251]

C u omo????

[@maddiek1980]

@@darinmoreland1408 there are many reasons for people being unable to house themselves. Not everyone has the same opportunities. Compassion and support for people who are struggling is peak civilised society.

[@gra-emed3617]

@@maddiek1980 Darin clearly has none (compassion). Clearly proud of that fact when they should be embarrassed by their own selfish ignorance

[@jasonmarcel4823]

Lol, "The tourists would not be legal here. They would be illegal, and I would prosecute them."

[@shawnladd5440]

Why is it called "tourist season' if you can't hunt them?

[@cigarthotspodcast3681]

Craziness

[@clairefernanda]

"There were unions, which no one seems to remember." Oh that Fran and her brand of truthiness. "Tourists would be illegal here." YASSSSS!

[@deannabollo170]

Absolutely right! I live in Europe and my country is the ‘darling’ for tourists. Hellish! In Winter and Autumn I walk the streets and see homeless people sleeping in the streets and these huge buildings EMPTY! I feel so angry so revolted with this social grime. We have to change this awful putridness. Thank you Fran for saying it as it is.

[@I_dont_want_an_at]

France?

[@MS-dh9gh]

Houselessness is a term. Fran Lebowitz SHOULD run for mayor

[@constancemiller3753]

Fran Lebowitz for Night Mayor of New York. 🌃🗽

[@sojungian]

I'd vote for her

[@stuartlee6622]

Sojung Lee I WOULDN'T. Stuart LEE

[@bethbartlett5692]

I know!

[@rudylabsilica2286]

I was gonna say the same thing! Fran for president 2020!

[@brapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrap]

let me guess you also voted for hillary clinton

[@YouCanNotVoteOutFascism]

@@brapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrap, you actually think that Fran is like Hillary? Polar opposites!

[@jennysok8320]

I wish more people now would listen to her thoughts.

[@douglasmcpherson7048]

She has an amazing logic about life. She’s a wise, insightful woman.

[@susanmacaluso5218]

Not at all logical. Dreamer, and not at all practical. But I still enjoy listening to her.

[@denispoloudin5652]

She sounds logical when she suggests to allow homeless into some apartment not belonging to her neither to you. When they get into*your* apartment that's when her logic will start irritate you. Check on Californian current experience of this topic.

[@kyllolaf6605]

I find her immensely hypocritical self-righteous and self-indulgent

[@carolinafranco5412]

She is best! I am so glad we are listening to Fran Lebowitz again.

[@saprissa30]

they are no homeless they houseless. George Carlin Jammin in New York 1992

[@angaeltartarrose6484]

they are not me who see less; they who see less.

[@jimp4170]

Fran Lebowitz/Lily Tomlin 2020.

[@woodrow4223]

The gravel institute has a wonderful and informative video on this issue and examples of how housing crisis' have been solved before and methods that could be applied in the usa! The solution is clear, it is just ignored because caring about humanity isn't profitable

[@fflubadubb]

I've always said that about empty buildings

[@yolandag.9954]

The problem with "homelessness" is the DRUGS. Homeless can't keep a job b/c they are always high and late. Everybody can make it in the US. There's jobs everywhere so you can pay for a place.

[@briancase6180]

9o9ooooo

[@ExcitingBob]

Someone has to pay for the maintenance of the building. That person doesn't want homeless drongos destroying their property.

[@Apollo_Blaze]

I love this woman and the way she thinks....I have loved her since the 70s.

[@marciagreene7049]

She speaks what I only think about in silence. Bravo.

[@frasercentral09]

This is the first time I've seen or heard of this woman. She is intriguing. I want to watch more of her.

[@frasercentral09]

@@brindlekintales living in New Zealand with millions of sheeps

[@eoghanbaker8386]

She has a netflix show just after coming out if you're still interested in her

[@markwardel6751]

I have agreed with or been amused by almost every word this fabulous woman has said for many years .

[@xander423]

You are my kind of human. Brilliant and direct.

[@Evandrosab]

Fran Lebowitz is a very wise person!! I´m a big fan!

[@anneglass8084]

My love for Fran keeps growing after all these years.

[@julianadesconzi8818]

Fran is amazing...

[@brianjones9487]

Why? Because she is an out of touch rich left-winger living in a big city.

[@rightweaponry908]

As a native New Yorker who worked at a Luxury Hotel next door to the Bowery Mission...this says it all

[@veganbeth]

More videos of Fran please! 👏

[@nancyking7739]

Fran...your sense is so there!! We need you to continue to get the facts out there! You are so respected! Keep the discussion up! Thank you!

[@usgary567]

BRILLIANT - It is comforting to hear things you have been thinking about your whole life.

[@carolineodonoghue5412]

it's not homelessness, it's houselessness

[@rons479]

I love... love... love Fran! She makes too much sense.

[@susanmacaluso5218]

No, she doesn't.

[@japonesa5186]

Facts. Empty apartments... but a housing crisis 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@HRHDMKYT]

Okay, agree with most of it... but what about the performing arts? Broadway and off-Broadway is suffering with lack of tourism.

[@cuppajoe1]

Very wise observations.

[@brianjones9487]

She is out of touch.

[@photo161]

BULL S*IT!!!

[@deirdrecece9440]

what an amazing woman with an amazing mind.

[@MewWolf5]

She makes some great points, even though I have visited New York and would like to one day visit again!

[@langolier9]

In general I may disagree with Fran on a number of issues but everything she said in this segment makes perfect sense now granted you can’t just give away Alagasco Partments to homeless people but the idea is correct

[@ronneyrendon5045]

I absolutely agree with her & absolutely adore her!

[@munizgellukig8144]

Ingeniious lady....

[@joybeans10]

So true, So on point.

[@JasonGafar]

The Fran Lebowitz immigration policy - hahah, she's very down to earth.

[@chey_mz]

Awesome words to hear these days.

[@hongdekong]

omg love this so much!!

[@brookerobinson9931]

I agree with her. There are loads of houses in Florida empty and packs of homeless people. Young homeless people in fact professionals including nurses and paramedics can’t afford to rent these houses..

[@timothyxavierohio]

So attack homelessness at its root cause(s) rather than trying to steal or squat on other peoples' property. FL is off her meds. So dumb!!!

[@KD-ou2np]

@@timothyxavierohio ... what is attacking homelessness at its root cause according to you?

[@angelaberni8873]

Much truth in what she says. In particular what she said about Italy. Very well said !

[@cokiaustin2211]

Fran is always funny.

[@saraho9568]

The NY housing market is bogus. A lot of apartments sit empty and millions looking for affordable housing. The homeless aren't the only ones living that way, there are a lot of ppl squeezed in like sardines just to be able to afford a place.

[@mickwadbackwash340]

Is she the costume maker from the Incredibles?

[@raquela6733]

I know it was a year ago, but I laughed so much at this.

[@oklahomorose]

Edna Mode was actually modeled on Edith Head, who won 8 Oscars for costume design.

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Well said Fran!

[@sharondavis5260]

Fran fran fran ...once upon a time there WAS a culture here and in many places it still remains ... Native Americans did and do have a culture. Tribes were judged and honored by the way the person with the least prosperity or health lived.

[@AenLu]

She's referring to the idea of the U.S. - to settler society

[@MrJeeves4me]

@Dori B America belongs to the people who are legal American citizens, as do all nations belong to their citizenry. Sounds like you are a bigoted individual, who for some reason thinks you are better than others due to your dental health and zip code....typical leftist. A country person with two teeth could be far wiser and a better person than some elitist at Harvard as most people with wisdom (that would exclude you) know.

[@maxim29672]

they had a warrior cultures and were fighting with each other for limited resources.

[@judithfox1953]

I can’t get enough of her.

[@tinaschlobohm9386]

Our culture is a conglomeration of ALL CULTURES! WHY is it so hard for people to understand that?

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

Truth to Power. I have always loved her. My hero

[@ninalandau9703]

Ironically enough my mom is not having my argument « I’ll wear your vintage jacket as you’re not using it currently ».

[@stephanies5658]

I need a follow up to this video in 2019

[@MoonChild-po9du]

Fran you are precious ❤

[@Angela-ne9cy]

2020: exactly the New York Fran just discussed.

[@ziggy33399]

Liked & subscribed.

[@GrijzePilion]

She's like an inside out, upside down Donald Trump, and she has my vote.

[@Terradiva]

Fran-I love you!!!

[@debrabelz]

Yep. Me too.

[@KFCJones]

My experience in three hotel companies in Manhattan is: Housekeeping jobs in NYC hotels are Union jobs. People who have these jobs often stay in them until retirement age. They recommend their friends and family when vacancies open up. Middle and upper management of hotels often start in housekeeping.

[@anthonydavidson3081]

Fran you are common sense to the bone . BLESSINGS sweet lady!

[@stationarywanderer7910]

LOVE her!!

[@Kim-lc3fv]

I don't get tired of Fran.

[@kristiLB93]

Interesting. She’s so intriguing.

[@johnhetherington8830]

Well said it's all true but how do you keep them where you put them ? I'm just saying

[@juliejohnson3626]

Right on Fran!!!

[@pennypcc]

Very appropriate for 2019.

[@lesliehenry7628]

I to just came cross Fran today and just love her.

[@stevieg6418]

The new NY city tag line is "Stay a while.Stay forever!"

[@karencampbell2410]

Wow so true Fran - language is so powerful

[@andreaandrea6716]

Fran Lebowitz for President! I'm sure she wouldn't want the job (who in their right mind DOES?), but I LOVE her. Smartest American I've heard speak. I've known her name FOREVER, but never explored WHO she is. Fabulous! I am just discovering her NOW! What fun! Great ideas. Radical, intelligent ideas. (I'm in heaven).

[@reneemoreno7924]

You are absolutely correct. The English language and the culture of none...that would help in resolving some if the problem our cities are facing. They could be used at the very least as transition housing. Thinking out of the box and not greedy.

[@thesimulation9651]

Fran is a national treasure

[@galebeattie4517]

Coolest of the cool Fran Lebowitz !!

[@annieconway8998]

Huge difference between homelessness and having a roof over your head, i.e. houselessness.

[@analozada9475]

I LOVE this woman! 🖤✨🤘

[@walterramirezt]

Fran for Major of NYC pleaseee

[@laliday]

I like an idea of much higher real estate taxes for owners of 2 or more houses if those houses are sitting empty. That would potentially lower realestate taxes for everyone else, making homeownership more affordable. Alternatively, it would put more money into schools. Which would also be desirable

[@jeremyc1731]

This needs more clout

[@mgmartin51]

I kind of wish she were in charge. I know I'd vote for her. Her ideas are worth a closer look. And a chance.

[@professorderoteiro]

I'm in love with this woman.

[@juliancoulden1753]

This woman is a amazing, utterly mad but worth listening to.

[@juliancoulden1753]

Not to worry

[@michaelangelofalco9819]

Thanks Fran!

[@ThisbeandPyramus]

Fair to say that she's not fond of tourism as an economic engine

[@Julie-7605]

I'm a fan now. 😎

[@velocitygirl8551]

Idk why this made me cry ... or maybe I do.

[@carollandon3083]

You rock Fran..

[@jeriwingo2020]

new respect for Fran!

[@martiweber1214]

She's a very smart lesvian, love her

[@maryanncarrlton6878]

I love Fran.

[@weoweittothem]

Fran Lebowitz is a genius. Lover her.

[@malorie5665]

I absolutely adore her and wish I had her wit!

[@Clandsom]

Farm land is used in middle America to feed all the cities

[@dillonmccormick8700]

Most rural counties have seen population decline since the 70s. There’s room.

[@marylhere]

Manafort's condo is now owned by the state....plenty of room for house deprived individuals.

[@shena1256]

Fran is one of those people who you really really want to talk to but as your talking you question your own intelligence because she says so many things you never thought of. She's brilliant.

[@DliciousFilms]

Loooove her 👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽