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Following his split from Kim Kardashian, Kanye West envisioned transforming his Malibu residence into an off-grid sanctuary, as revealed in court documents.
The artist invested a staggering $57 million in the expansive property in September 2021, soon after Kardashian initiated divorce proceedings, ending their seven-year marriage.
A construction worker has since taken legal action against West, alleging non-payment for services and unsafe working conditions during the property’s extensive renovation.
During a hearing in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, West’s lawyer, Andrew Cherkasky, stated, “This was intended to be Ye’s personal retreat for himself and his family.”
He further explained that the award-winning musician desired a minimalist design, removing all utilities and fixtures, including electricity, plumbing, fireplaces, and even toilets.
Cherkasky said West was like anyone else “dreaming of living on the Pacific Ocean. Most rich people buy expensive things, he wanted it to be the most minimal.”
He pointed out that Kanye wrote a song called “Off The Grid” on an album dedicated to his mother.
The court case centers around plaintiff’s Tony Saxon over the tumultuous remodeling of the beachfront Malibu mansion.
Saxon alleges unpaid wages, unsafe working conditions, and wrongful termination after he was hired to manage, secure, and live in the property during its renovation, according to court documents.
The rapper’s overhaul of the structure removed almost all of the original design.
When it was put on the market in 2024, the home had no electric, no plumbing, no windows and no interior finishes. Saxon is expected to take the witness stand on Wednesday.
West’s spokesman Milo Yiannopoulos told The Post: “The truth is that Tony worked as an independent contractor, unlicensed and unsafe, masquerading as a properly licensed worker.”
Saxon is seeking over $1 million from West. Both West and his wife Bianca Censori are expected to testify.