Olivia 'Livvy' Dunne, one of the most recognisable influencers in the United States, has revealed that her attempt to purchase Babe Ruth's historic New York apartment was unexpectedly rejected by the building's co-op board, despite offering to pay in full, in cash.
The former NCAA gymnast, who boasts over 13 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, expressed her frustration on social media, calling the experience 'disappointing' and confusing.
Livvy Dunne Denied Babe Ruth's Iconic Flat in Upper West Side
Dunne, 22, had set her sights on an iconic property in Manhattan's Upper West Side: a £1.2 million ($1.6 million) co‑operative flat once home to baseball legend Babe Ruth. According to People, the former LSU gymnast intended to buy the flat outright with cash and even hired an interior designer before touring the unit with her boyfriend, MLB pitcher Paul Skenes.
In a now-viral TikTok post, Dunne claimed that the co-op board blocked her application in the final stages of the sale. 'We got denied from the apartment and it was not financial. We're thinking maybe they were Alabama fans and I went to LSU', she joked, alluding to her alma mater and her high-profile status in collegiate athletics.
@livvy I’m just disappointed that’s all😭 #foryou #nyc #baseball #baberuth #apartment ♬ original sound - Olivia Dunne
Although she did not cite a specific reason, Dunne suggested her celebrity status and online presence may have played a role in the board's decision.
Who Is Livvy Dunne?
Olivia Dunne rose to fame as a gymnast at Louisiana State University and quickly became one of the top earners in the NCAA under the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) policy. Her brand deals with companies like Vuori, Grubhub, and American Eagle, along with her modelling features in Sports Illustrated, have contributed to her success.
Her estimated net worth stands at approximately £4.6 million ($6 million), making her one of the most financially successful college athletes turned influencers. Dunne officially retired from gymnastics in April 2025 to focus fully on her media and commercial ventures.
With a combined following of over 13 million and growing online influence, Dunne remains a central figure in both sports and digital media circles.
Relationship with MLB Star Paul Skenes
Livvy Dunne's relationship with Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes has further cemented her position in the spotlight. Skenes, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft, received a record-breaking £7 million ($9.2 million) signing bonus and is seen as a rising star in professional baseball.
The couple has been increasingly compared to other sports–entertainment power duos, with media outlets calling them 'the next Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce'. Their appearance together at the apartment viewing led many to speculate that the property could have served as a future shared home.
Celebrity Status a Barrier in Traditional Co-op Boards?
Dunne's experience sheds light on a growing issue for public figures entering the property market: co-op boards that favour privacy and traditionalism over high-profile residents.
In New York City, co-ops have broad discretion to reject buyers for reasons that go beyond financials, such as concerns about media attention or building culture, concerns increasingly directed at influencers. According to the New York Post, more co-op boards are rejecting social media personalities due to fears over publicity and lifestyle clashes with long-time residents.
Modern Fame Meets Traditional Boundaries in NYC Property Market
Though denied the keys to Babe Ruth's former home, Livvy Dunne has taken the rejection in stride, using humour to share her experience with followers. The incident highlights the unique challenges modern influencers face when intersecting with old-world institutions, where fame, not finances, can close doors.
