Home · Entertainment · Sep 8 archive
Nicolas Cage's Malibu Home Damaged by Sinkhole After Driveway Collapses
Developing
In Short: A sinkhole opened up in front of Nicolas Cage's Malibu beachfront home, causing significant damage and prompting evacuation orders for nearby properties.
Nicolas Cage's Malibu beachfront home suffered significant damage after a sinkhole opened up in its driveway, according to reports. The incident occurred on Tuesday, following days of rough surf and high tides associated with Hurricane Marie. The sinkhole, which measures 30 by 30 feet, caused a gas main rupture, though no injuries were reported.
Malibu officials and local authorities, including the Building Safety Division and Southern California Gas Company, are assessing the situation. The city has red-tagged five homes, prohibiting entry, and issued evacuation orders for the Point Lechuza community near Broad Beach. The sinkhole is part of a broader erosion issue affecting the coastline, which has been exacerbated by strong storm systems and powerful waves.
The erosion problem in Malibu is not new. In August, the City of Malibu identified 23 red-tagged parcels due to rapidly worsening erosion, threatening portions of Pacific Coast Highway and nearby beachfront properties. The coastline has repeatedly suffered flooding and erosion from major storm events, with Malibu's south-facing shore particularly exposed to powerful southern hemisphere swells.
While many Angelenos were dealing with unseasonable rain from Hurricane Marie, beach communities like Malibu and Orange County faced significant challenges. High tides and massive waves caused flooding at parking lots and sea water flowing into homes and streets in Long Beach, according to the National Weather Service.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by coastal communities in Southern California. Malibu officials are preparing for potential strong storms, strong waves, heavy rain, mudslides, and coastal erosion due to the forecast strong El Niño conditions. The emergency was bigger than one damaged driveway, with crews working to protect neighboring homes and assess the structural integrity of the affected properties.
Background
Nicolas Cage is an American actor and film producer. He is the recipient of various accolades, including an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Globe Award as well as nominations for two BAFTA Awards.
What's confirmed
- “The city is preparing for potential strong storms, strong waves, heavy rain, mudslides and coastal erosion that are possible along the entire Southern California coast due to the forecast strong El Niño conditions,” Malibu officials said today.
- According to Realtor.com, Cage purchased the 4,000-square-foot home in 2024 for $10.5 million.
What's still developing
- “There is a sinkhole there, but the home is not occupied,” he said.
- Malibu residents are expressing fears about the continued impact of forecasted strong storm systems on the iconic coastline and nearby shops and roads. pic.twitter.com/8UPD0UUD3P A high surf advisory and coastal flood advisory are in effect until 11 p.m.
- Residents have evacuated along the boardwalk. #CA #LongBeach #Flood #Waves pic.twitter.com/q4qj2deTOJ The Long Beach Fire Department reported Monday night that approximately 20 homes were evacuated along Seaside Walk, from 63rd to 67th Place, due to the seawall being compromised and damage to the boardwalk.
- “These evacuation orders are being issued out of an abundance of caution while the Building Department evaluates the structural integrity and condition of these homes,” LBFD said in a statement.
- Over the weekend, Hurricane Marie aimed waves with 10-foot faces directly at the shores of Malibu and Orange County, both of which face south.
- Video taken of the home shows a 30 by 30 foot hole in front of the home with the waves and the beams holding up his home visible underneath.
- The driveway in front of the Oscar-winning actor's oceanfront home collapsed, creating a sinkhole.
- Liberman also shared the home’s personal history, telling the outlet, “My parents would go on weekends, and it was my father’s ‘happy place.’” After his father’s death, Liberman said the property became difficult for his mother to visit.