Kanye’s $58M Malibu Mansion Turns Into A $1M Lawsuit Messages
Only Kanye could buy a $57 million architectural masterpiece and allegedly turn it into a construction zone courtroom drama.
Kanye West is now being sued by the developer tied to the gut renovation of his ultra modern Malibu beach house, a minimalist oceanfront property originally designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
Here is what allegedly happened.
FROM LUXURY MANSION TO “OFF THE GRID” SHELTER?
After purchasing the $57.3 million property, Kanye reportedly decided to gut the home entirely. According to a lawsuit filed by contractor Tony Saxon, West wanted to transform the sleek concrete residence into what was described in court documents as an “off the grid shelter.”
The most eyebrow raising detail?
Saxon claims Kanye demanded that all toilets be removed from the house. Instead of functioning bathrooms, the artist allegedly wanted “a hole in the ground” as part of the redesign concept.
Yes. A hole.
The Malibu mansion, once celebrated for its clean lines and luxury finishes, was allegedly stripped down to the studs during the renovation process.
WHO IS TONY SAXON?
Saxon, who reportedly had limited high level contracting experience, says he was hired to oversee the project despite not being a licensed general contractor in California. He now claims he is owed more than $1 million in unpaid wages and damages after the renovation allegedly spiraled out of control.
According to the lawsuit, the project became increasingly chaotic. Saxon alleges unsafe working conditions, erratic direction, and constant design changes.
When the relationship deteriorated, Saxon says he was not paid what he was owed.
KANYE’S RESPONSE
In court filings, Kanye has pushed back on the claims. In one explosive allegation included in the dispute, West allegedly referred to Saxon as a “crackhead” in explaining why he refused to continue payment.
As of now, the case is making its way through the legal system, with both sides presenting sharply different versions of events.
A PATTERN OF PROPERTY PROBLEMS?
This is not the first time Kanye’s real estate decisions have made headlines. Since his split from Kim Kardashian, West has made several unconventional property moves, including acquiring large tracts of land and discussing self sustainable living concepts.
But turning a $57 million oceanfront mansion into a stripped down concrete shell with no toilets? That may be a renovation story for the ages.
For now, the Malibu property reportedly remains in an unfinished state as the legal battle unfolds.
One thing is certain.
When Kanye builds, he does not do normal.