According to court testimony, rapper Kanye West once planned to transform his $57 million Malibu beachfront mansion into a completely "off-grid" shelter. He purchased the property in September 2021, just months after Kim Kardashian officially filed for divorce. West's idea was to create an isolated living space, independent of modern utility systems like electricity and water.
The artist's lawyer, Andrew Cherkasky, stated that his client wanted to remove almost all amenities inside the house. Items slated for demolition included the electrical system, toilets, heaters, and even plumbing. Kanye West reportedly desired to pursue the most minimalist lifestyle possible, reflecting the spirit of his song "Off The Grid," which he dedicated to his late mother.
Legal Disputes Surrounding the Mansion Renovation
Currently, West is facing a lawsuit from Tony Saxon, a construction worker who previously worked on the project. The plaintiff accuses the rapper of unpaid wages, unsafe working conditions, and wrongful termination during the renovation. Saxon was hired to manage and live at the mansion, but he claims he endured unsafe working conditions.
Kanye West's renovation completely altered the original design by renowned architect Tadao Ando. When the mansion was put on the market in 2024, only the concrete shell remained, completely devoid of windows or finished interiors. What was once an architectural masterpiece is now merely a rudimentary structure, without electricity or plumbing.
Kanye West's side, through spokesperson Milo Yiannopoulos, has denied the allegations, claiming Saxon worked as an unlicensed independent contractor. The plaintiff is currently seeking over $1 million in damages for lost wages and rights. It is expected that both Kanye West and his current wife, Bianca Censori, will be called to testify in upcoming court sessions to clarify the matter.
