Celebrity power couple Jay-Z and Beyoncé have made headlines for their recent purchase of a $200 million mansion in Malibu. The sale has set the record as the most expensive home ever sold in California and the second most expensive real estate deal in the country. The couple is believed to have paid in cash for the 40,000-square-foot estate on eight acres of land overlooking the Pacific Ocean in the exclusive Paradise Cove area. The concrete and glass Malibu estate, which doubles as an art museum, took almost 15 years to build, and was designed by famed Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
The couple reportedly purchased the home from renowned art collectors William and Maria Bell, who are recognized as some of the most significant art collectors in the world. Jay-Z's estimated net worth is $2.5 billion, while Beyoncé's net worth is close to $500 million. Beyoncé recently kicked off her Renaissance tour in May with a show in Stockholm, which is expected to bring in a reported $1 billion.
However, Beyoncé received backlash for performing in Dubai in January due to the country's strict anti-LGBTQ laws. LGB Alliance co-founder Bev Jackson expressed disappointment that Beyoncé agreed to give a lucrative concert in Dubai, where same-sex sex acts are a criminal offense, potentially punishable by death. Fans called the singer's actions hypocritical because she spoke about her gay uncle during an acceptance speech at the 2019 GLAAD Media Awards.
Overall, the purchase of the Malibu mansion is a significant milestone for Jay-Z and Beyoncé, who are known for their extravagant lifestyle and successful careers in the music industry. However, their actions have also sparked controversy, particularly regarding their decision to perform in countries with strict anti-LGBTQ laws.