Kanye West's $1.5m burned-down church building is subject of arson probe as his real estate tax bill reaches $448k

The Sun

10-05-2025

KANYE West's derelict church building - which was burnt to the ground - is now the subject of an arson investigation, The U.S. Sun can reveal.
The rapper's rundown property in Northridge, north of Los Angeles, went up in flames in October 2024.
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It was brought down months after Kanye left it to rot, much to the annoyance of neighbors who called it an "eyesore" and expressed their concern about squatters on the land.
Now, The U.S. Sun can confirm the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety has inspected the place twice, once in January, and again in March.
But Kanye, 47, is nowhere to be seen and hasn't paid for the inspections.
LADBS has placed two liens on the now-empty plot of land, which Kanye bought for $1.5 million in January 2023.
They're not the only ones to be looking into the blaze, as the city's fire department is also looking into possible arson, as it was lucky that neighboring properties did not burn down.
Kanye's property, bought from the adjacent Cornerstone Christian Church, was either going to be a possible location for his controversial Donda Academy or a Yeezy Headquarters.
But eventually, it became neither and was abandoned.
The fire that overtook the building began on October 14 last year, just after 12.45 am, authorities claimed.
NEIGHBORS' ANGER
No injuries were reported but one nearby residence did sustain superficial damage from the intense heat and flames as a crew battled the blaze for more than 30 minutes.
Neighbors had previously complained about the boarded-up windows, old shopping carts, and trash dumped on the land.
Kanye West's secret property deals revealed as he wins battle to buy $1.5m church space and Yeezy headquarters for $6.7m
One said at the time, "I had no idea Kanye bought it but … it's not a good look for the neighborhood.
"He needs to clean it up, you don't want a bum breaking in and living there."
Yellow caution tape now surrounds the land and a broken fence with a no trespassing sign is leaning against a nearby tree.
Aerial footage obtained by The U.S. Sun showed that all remains of the place are piles of debris.
It's unknown whether Kanye is even aware the property burned down, and a rep for the rapper did not respond.
Kanye is currently in Spain after fleeing America following a backlash over his Hitler comments on X.
He stormed out of a Piers Morgan interview that aired this week after he was questioned about his vile posts.
This month, Kanye racked up yet more property tax arrears on five of his luxury homes and offices, bringing the total to an eye-watering $448,254.
In January, The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed he owed at least $365,592 in taxes including penalties for non-payment.
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Now, a further $82,662 can be added to that tab, as he's failed to pay the first half of 2025 on time.
Each month he defaults, another $3,272 in penalties is added to the bill.
His church has now strung up arrears of approximately $49,200 and $358 per month penalties - as he's never paid taxes on the plot.
The biggest debt is at his derelict $6.7 million Yeezy Headquarters on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood.
It's accumulated arrears of $202,287 and is being stung with $1,435-a-month penalties.
Exclusive drone footage obtained by The U.S. Sun previously showed workers had ripped off the roof at the 7,400-square-foot space.
In one image, a mountain of trash can be seen at the entrance to the building, with discarded items piling up inside the property.
One worker could be seen digging in a mound of dirt, with vehicles situated throughout the space.
Piles of different materials were dotted around and work is now beginning on a huge structure in the center of the building.
Meanwhile, Kanye has never paid tax on a four-bed mansion in Calabasas that he acquired from his divorce from Kim Kardashian.
He also owns apartments in Calabasas and Westlake Village which have unpaid tax debts.
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