Kanye West Ordered to Pay $140,000 in Malibu Mansion Worker Lawsuit

A jury has delivered a verdict in a lawsuit involving rapper Kanye West, ruling in favor of a former employee who accused the artist of unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions at his former Malibu property. The case was brought by Tony Saxton, who worked on Ye’s $57 million estate in Malibu as a project manager.

Details of the Lawsuit and Verdict

Following deliberations, the jury ordered Ye to pay $140,000 in compensation for medical expenses and lost wages. The amount awarded was significantly lower than the $1.7 million Saxton had originally sought in damages. This verdict brings the legal dispute to a close, awarding Saxton compensation but far less than the damages he had initially requested.

Saxton alleged that he was hired to oversee work on Ye’s Malibu estate but claimed he was dismissed after about seven weeks and received only one payment during that time. In the lawsuit, Saxton also accused Ye of creating unsafe working conditions at the property and terminating him unfairly.

Testimonies from Kanye West and Bianca Censori

During the trial, Ye testified as a witness. According to reports from KABC-TV, the rapper appeared disengaged while being questioned and said he had only a vague recollection of Saxton and was unsure who had formally hired him for the project.

Ye’s wife, Bianca Censori, also testified in the case. She told the court that she worked with Saxton briefly during the Malibu property project but only for a short period of time, adding context to the employment timeline.

Implications of the Ruling

This ruling highlights issues of worker rights and compensation in high-profile celebrity projects. While Saxton received some compensation, the reduced award compared to his initial claim may influence how similar cases are pursued in the future. The case underscores the legal responsibilities of employers, even in informal or short-term work arrangements.