Kanye West's Team Declares Victory in Contractor Lawsuit
Kanye West and his representatives are celebrating what they describe as a significant legal win after a jury awarded contractor Tony Saxon $140,000 in damages. This amount represents merely a small fraction of the $1.7 million that Saxon had originally sought through litigation against the controversial rapper and entrepreneur.
Jury Rejects Bulk of Contractor's Claims
West's spokesperson, Milo Yiannopoulos, emphasized in a statement to the Daily Mail that Saxon recovered "only a small fraction of what his lawyers demanded." The jury's decision saw them reject almost all of Saxon's claims, including those for lost wages, overtime, waiting-time penalties, retaliation, and punitive damages.
The $140,000 award was specifically tied to Saxon's assertion that he sustained an injury while working on West's property. It was divided into $100,000 for medical expenses, both past and present, and $40,000 for past pain and suffering. Notably, the jury did not grant any compensation for future pain and suffering or punitive damages.
West and Censori Testify in Court
Both Kanye West and his spouse, Bianca Censori, took the stand during the trial to provide testimony. According to legal documents reviewed by Rolling Stone, the jury determined that West had not acted with "malice, oppression, or fraud" when he terminated Saxon from the construction project. Consequently, the firing was not classified as a wrongful termination.
Jurors later shared their impressions of West's courtroom demeanor with the publication. One female juror remarked, "He looked at us contemptuously. It was just a waste of our time. Either he was just bored, or he was falling asleep on the stand. Both are bad options. I was not impressed." Another juror confirmed that West clearly "fell asleep" while testifying.
Contractor's Legal Team Responds
Despite the reduced award, Saxon's legal team expressed a sense of vindication. Neama Rahmani of West Coast Trial Lawyers stated, "Obviously, it's not as much as we asked for, but under the labor code, they have to pay attorney fees and costs. It's going to be a lot more than $140,000 when it's all said and done. The final judgment should be over $1 million."
Ronald Zambrano, co-counsel on the case, added, "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."
Background of the Dispute
The legal conflict originated from an agreement reached in September 2021, when West enlisted Saxon to oversee drastic renovations to a Malibu mansion purchased for over $57 million. Saxon's responsibilities included project management, property caretaking, and security, with him reportedly working up to 16 hours daily and even sleeping on the ground to meet deadlines.
Tensions escalated in November 2021 when Saxon opposed several of West's unconventional requests, such as demolishing marble bathrooms, removing plumbing and electrical systems, and placing large generators inside the house—a move Saxon warned posed a fire hazard. Saxon claimed that West threatened him, stating he would be considered "an enemy" if he did not comply, and was subsequently fired on the spot.
Saxon alleged in court documents that West only paid him for one week of work, leading to the lawsuit for labor code violations and over $1 million in unpaid wages and damages. He described West's vision for the home as resembling "a bomb shelter from the 1910s" or a "Bat Cave" where the rapper could "hide from the Clintons and the Kardashians."
West's Counterarguments and Property Condition
In a November 2023 filing, West denied all accusations and sought dismissal of the lawsuit. His lawyers argued that he was not responsible for the damages Saxon claimed and that Saxon performed tasks without West's knowledge.
Recent photos from 2024 reveal the Malibu property in a state of disrepair, with floor-to-ceiling windows removed, exposing the interior to the elements. The interior appears crumbling, and metal railings are rusting due to exposure to salt air. Neighbors told TMZ that the mansion has been "left to rot," with no activity observed for months.
Future Legal Proceedings
Yiannopoulos indicated that West's team remains confident they can recoup the awarded damages, citing the jury's finding that Saxon acted as a contractor rather than an employee under California law. He noted that unlicensed contractors cannot recover compensation for licensed work, suggesting they will seek post-trial relief.
Additionally, Yiannopoulos revealed that this verdict concludes the first of two lawsuits, with West pursuing litigation against Saxon and his attorneys for recording and publicizing an unlawful mechanic's lien on the property, which allegedly clouded the title and interfered with its sale.
