Kanye West Lawsuits: $140K Mansion Fee & Unpaid Wages
Los Angeles, CA – A Los Angeles jury has ordered Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, to pay $140,000 to Tony Saxon, a former project manager and security guard who oversaw construction at West’s Malibu mansion. The verdict, delivered on , marks a partial win for Saxon, who had sought $1.7 million in damages, alleging labor violations and wrongful termination.
The lawsuit, initially filed in September 2023, centered on Saxon’s work at the Malibu property, which West purchased in 2021 for $57 million. Saxon claimed he faced unsafe working conditions, unpaid wages, and wrongful termination. He testified that West agreed to a weekly wage of $20,000 but only provided two payments totaling $120,000. He also alleged instances of being restricted from leaving the property and being awakened at unreasonable hours to inquire about work progress.
While the jury found West liable for damages related to injuries alleged by Saxon, they did not agree that Saxon had been wrongfully terminated, nor did they award punitive damages. This suggests the jury believed West’s actions were not malicious, oppressive, or fraudulent, despite finding him responsible for certain labor violations. The total amount West will ultimately pay is expected to exceed $1 million when legal fees are factored in.
The trial included testimony from both West and his wife, Bianca Censori, regarding the renovation work. Saxon’s legal team presented evidence of his medical records, bank statements, and personal history, which they argued were unfairly scrutinized by West’s defense. According to Saxon’s attorney, Ronald Zambrano of West Coast Trial Lawyers, West’s representatives, including Milo Yiannopoulos, publicly maligned Saxon and his firm, and even demanded a public apology from him in exchange for a settlement.
“Ye’s lawyers called [Saxon] a liar, a fraud, and a malingerer in court. His medical records, bank records, and personal family history were dissected, mocked, and vilified,” Zambrano stated. “In true David-vs.-Goliath fashion, Mr. Saxon stood firm against one of the biggest celebrities in the world, with the truth on his side.”
The defense team argued that Saxon was an unlicensed contractor who “destroyed” the Malibu property, described as an “architectural gem.” Yet, the jury clearly found sufficient evidence to support Saxon’s claims of unpaid labor and inadequate working conditions. Reports from Variety indicate West appeared disengaged during his own testimony, even appearing to doze off at times, which some observers interpreted as a lack of seriousness regarding the proceedings.
The case highlights the often-complex relationship between high-profile figures and the workers involved in their personal projects. The allegations of restrictive work conditions and delayed payment, even in a high-value renovation, raise questions about labor practices within the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by contractors working for wealthy clients. Saxon testified he was forced to sleep on a mattress on a concrete floor while working on the property.
This verdict follows a period of significant public and professional challenges for West. The lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his business dealings and personal conduct. While the $140,000 judgment is considerably less than the initial $1.7 million sought by Saxon, it represents a legal setback for West and a validation, albeit partial, for the former contractor.
The BBC reported the $140,000 equates to approximately £104,415. The New York Daily News noted the case centered around unpaid wages, adding to a growing number of labor disputes involving prominent figures in the entertainment world. The outcome of this case may encourage other workers to pursue legal action in similar situations, particularly those who perceive they have been subjected to unfair labor practices while working for high-profile individuals.
It remains to be seen whether West will appeal the jury’s decision. His legal team has not yet issued a statement regarding their next steps. For Saxon, the verdict provides a measure of closure after a protracted legal battle, and a financial award for the alleged damages he sustained while working on West’s Malibu estate.