Ye’s Abandoned Church Property Investigated for Arson Amid Mounting Tax Debts

Ye’s abandoned church property, which was once slated to become a Yeezy headquarters or Donda Academy, has now become the focus of an arson investigation.

The derelict building in Northridge, Los Angeles, burned down in October 2024, just months after Ye left the site to deteriorate, drawing criticism from neighbors who called it an “eyesore” and feared squatters.

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) inspected the site twice, in January and March, but the producer remains out of sight, having failed to pay for the inspections. The property, which Ye bought for $1.5 million in January 2023, now carries two liens. Meanwhile, the fire department is investigating whether the blaze, which started at 12:45 a.m. on October 14th, 2024, was intentionally set. One nearby home sustained superficial damage, but no injuries were reported.

Neighbors had previously voiced concerns about the property’s state, with one saying, “He needs to clean it up, you don’t want a bum breaking in and living there.”

The building is now surrounded by yellow caution tape and a broken fence. Meanwhile, the 47-year-old, who has fled to Spain after a backlash over his controversial comments, is also dealing with mounting property tax arrears, totaling over $448,000. His Yeezy headquarters in West Hollywood, with a $6.7 million price tag, has accumulated significant unpaid taxes, further complicating his financial situation.