Former project manager alleges rapper demanded removal of all plumbing fixtures as part of “off-the-grid” redesign.
Court testimony in an ongoing lawsuit has revealed new allegations about rapper Kanye West’s renovation of his former Malibu beach house, including a claim that he ordered all of the property’s toilets removed during a sweeping interior demolition in addition to the plumbing, windows, electrical outlets, wiring, a jacuzzi, and fireplaces.
The oceanfront residence, designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Tadao Ando, was purchased by West in September 2021 for $57.3 million. He later hired Tony Saxon, described in court filings as a rare-record dealer, who is not a licensed contractor, to oversee an extensive overhaul of the home.
According to the lawsuit filed by Saxon in 2023, the renovation quickly escalated into a near-total gutting of the structure. Fixtures, windows, interior finishes, plumbing, and electrical systems were removed, leaving the architecturally significant property largely reduced to a concrete shell, leaving the architecturally significant property reduced to a concrete shell.
Zambrano alleged, “He wanted no toilets. If people had to go Number 2, it was a hole in the ground,” as quoted by Rolling Stone. The dramatic changes drew criticism from architecture observers.
During recent court proceedings, Saxon’s attorney alleged that West directed that all toilets be removed as part of a plan to transform the residence into what was described as an “off-the-grid shelter.” Saxon claims he is owed approximately $1 million in unpaid wages and expenses and alleges he suffered multiple injuries while working on the project, including a broken neck. He is seeking more than $1 million in damages.
The lawsuit further contends that Saxon was required to live at the property during construction and was asked to perform work without proper permits. West placed the partially demolished property back on the market in January 2024 for $53 million.
West’s attorney, Andrew Cherkasky, has disputed the allegations, arguing that Saxon misrepresented himself as licensed and was not an employee but an independent contractor. Cherkasky has denied the claims made in the lawsuit.
