Man Secretly Lives in Mall for Four Years Without Being Noticed
Living in a Shopping Mall
Do you enjoy visiting shopping malls? If you work in one, the appeal might not be the same. But imagine actually living inside a mall! That’s exactly what one man did when he discovered an unused space hidden within a shopping center.
The Discovery
In 1999, a massive shopping mall was completed in Providence, Rhode Island. Spanning 1.4 million square feet, the mall featured 160 stores. Every day, artist and drawing instructor Michael Townsend jogged past the newly built structure.
During its construction, Michael stumbled upon what he called the “unintentional room.” This small, seemingly purposeless space was tucked away within the mall and didn’t resemble a store or a functional part of the complex.
Inspired by an Advertisement
Between 2003 and 2004, Michael heard a radio ad for the mall. The enthusiastic commercial suggested that the mall had everything a person needed to live comfortably and maintain a healthy lifestyle. This sparked an idea—what if he actually lived there?
Turning the Hidden Space into a Home
By 2003, Michael noticed that the small room inside the mall remained vacant. Initially, he planned to stay there for just a week as an artistic experiment. However, that single week turned into four years.
Michael described the space as a 750-square-foot area originally used for storing construction supplies. Once the mall was fully operational, the space remained abandoned and forgotten—until he moved in.
Over time, Michael transformed the hidden room into a livable space. He even had plans to complete a kitchen, install hardwood floors, and add a second bedroom. However, before he could make those upgrades, mall security finally discovered his secret apartment.
Caught After Four Years
Michael was apprehended while leaving the hidden space. He later admitted that he was shocked to have gone undetected for so long. He praised the security team for handling the situation professionally and expressed regret for not revealing his unconventional living arrangement sooner.
No Legal Consequences
Surprisingly, Michael faced no legal repercussions for his four-year stay inside the mall. However, he was permanently banned from the premises. He later clarified on his website that he was not homeless and had a job during the entire time he lived in the mall.
The idea that someone could secretly reside in a busy shopping center for years without being noticed is mind-boggling. Michael Townsend’s story is truly a fascinating glimpse into creativity, resourcefulness, and the unexpected ways people can adapt to their surroundings.
Zendaya’s Bold Cher-Inspired Look at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Is It a Fashion Win or Fail
Source: Getty Images
Even though some people criticized Zendaya’s Cher-inspired outfit, others praised her for it. Cher was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame just months after she expressed disappointment about not being recognized sooner.
At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio, on October 19, 2024, Zendaya paid tribute to the music legend Cher by wearing a sparkling dress. The 27-year-old actress and fashion icon spoke warmly about Cher, sharing her admiration for the artist.
Zendaya’s beaded gown featured a design that exposed her midriff, highlighting her fit figure.
Zendaya’s dress at the event featured criss-cross straps across her chest and had cutouts that made the gold and skin-colored gown look both bold and stylish. The design was daring yet chic.
Zendaya’s outfit paid homage to a famous look from the 1970s when Cher was known for her daring fashion choices and her own music and variety show.
Along with her stunning gown, Zendaya styled her long, sleek black hair with a perfect middle part. She wore golden stiletto heels that made her tall figure even more striking.
At one point, she added a luxurious white coat with gold embroidery to her outfit. She kept her accessories simple, adding just a bit of sparkle with her bracelets and ring.
In addition to taking solo photos, Zendaya posed with other stars like Dua Lipa and Cher, who wore an all-black outfit.
As the evening went on, Zendaya honored Cher with a heartfelt speech that resonated with everyone in the audience.
Standing confidently at the podium, Zendaya shared her admiration for Cher and the impact she has had on many generations.
“Thank you, Cher,” Zendaya began. “Thank you for being an advocate, for paving the way for many people to speak their truth and be open-hearted.”
Quoting Cher, Zendaya added, “‘You should never be inhibited by what people expect you to do.’ I hope we can all live by those words.”
While Zendaya’s tribute to Cher captivated the audience, her bold outfit sparked mixed reactions online. Many acknowledged her beauty, but some were not fond of her look.
One person commented, “She’s gorgeous, but this is too revealing.” Another asked, “Does she really need to be almost naked? She looks sad in it.”
Someone compared her outfit to a famous pop culture reference, saying, “Zendaya is beautiful, but the dress looks like a ‘Princess Leia’ costume. It leaves nothing to the imagination.”
Others were concerned about the message her outfit sent. “Beautiful, but why do talented women need to undress for attention?” questioned one comment.
Another person noted a trend among celebrities, saying, “Why do women feel like they have to be almost naked to be relevant? It feels wrong.”
Some people criticized the outfit for lacking creativity, with one commenter stating, “Women dressed like this acting ‘edgy’ is old and boring.”
Yet, amidst the criticism, some fans praised Zendaya. “Zendaya outdid herself! She looks absolutely stunning!” said one admirer.
Another fan embraced the Cher-inspired look, saying, “Total Cher vibes! Gorgeous!”
While Zendaya’s outfit sparked conversation, the main focus of the evening was Cher’s long-awaited induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Cher’s career spans seven decades, making her influence on music, film, and pop culture truly remarkable.
From her early days with Sonny Bono to becoming a solo superstar, Cher has continuously evolved and stayed relevant in the entertainment world.
During her acceptance speech, Cher spoke candidly about the challenges she has faced in her life and career, saying it was easier to get divorced twice than to receive this honor.
Despite the hurdles, Cher emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating, “The one thing that I have never done is give up.”
Her speech included personal stories, from her childhood dreams to her groundbreaking success with the song “Believe,” which changed the music industry.
Cher shared how the song came about almost by accident but became a defining moment for her.
With humility, she said, “I’m a good singer, not a great singer. You know what? I’ll take it.” At one point, she addressed the women in the audience.
Cher expressed admiration for women’s strength, saying, “We’ve been down and out, and we keep going. We are special.”
She concluded her speech by thanking her family and close friends.
Before this honor, Cher had expressed her frustration about not being inducted sooner. In December 2023, she appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and shared her feelings about the snub.
During the interview, Kelly praised Cher’s career, saying, “You have number ones spanning seven decades!” Cher replied, “Two of us have.”
When Kelly learned that Cher wasn’t in the Hall of Fame at that time, she was shocked. Cher responded sharply, “I wouldn’t be in it now if they gave me $1 million.”
However, when the time came for Cher to be inducted, she accepted the honor with gratitude and defiance.
In May 2024, ahead of the induction, Cher attended the premiere of “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion,” where she expressed appreciation for those who supported her induction.
While talking to Entertainment Tonight, Cher thanked David Geffen and John Sykes for their efforts.
Yet, true to her style, she hinted that she would speak her mind at the ceremony. “I’m going to have some words to say. I’m going to accept it as me,” she added. Cher certainly did not hold back during her induction acceptance speech.
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