Kanye West appeared to struggle to stay awake while testifying in a $1 million (£750,000) lawsuit brought by a former employee, with reports claiming he repeatedly yawned and closed his eyes for long stretches. The rapper, 48, took the stand on Friday in a Los Angeles courtroom, where his lawyer was asked by the judge to 'make things a little snappier' after the plaintiff's attorney mouthed 'Is he asleep?'
The lawsuit was filed by Tony Saxon, who says he was hired as a project manager for West's Malibu beach house but was sacked after seven weeks. Saxon is seeking damages for alleged unpaid wages, dangerous working conditions, and wrongful termination. West bought the property for $57 million (£43 million) in 2021.
During his testimony, West answered 'I don't recall' when asked about work done on the house. The case has been ongoing for several years, with West's wife, Bianca Censori, testifying on Thursday. Censori, 31, an Australian model and architect, wore a modest outfit for court—a black midi skirt and cardigan—after the judge warned that revealing clothing would not be permitted.
Saxon claims West constantly changed his plans for the property, requesting the removal of all plumbing and wiring, and comparing the desired result to a 'bomb shelter from the 1910s.' West allegedly wanted no electricity, only plants, candles, and battery lights, and said he wanted a place to 'hide from the Clintons and the Kardashians.' Saxon also alleges West threatened to make him 'an enemy' if he did not comply.
Censori, who worked on the renovations before marrying West, told the court she visualised plans based on West's concepts. The trial continues.
