Kanye West, also known as Ye, has been found liable in a lawsuit brought by a former project manager for his Malibu mansion. A Los Angeles Superior Court jury announced its verdict on Wednesday, finding Ye responsible for certain claims but awarding the plaintiff a significantly smaller amount than initially sought.
Tony Saxon, the project manager, was awarded $140,000 in compensatory damages, along with legal fees and court costs. This amount is a fraction of the $1.7 million in compensatory damages his legal team had requested.
Key Takeaways
- Kanye West found liable in Malibu mansion renovation lawsuit.
- Plaintiff Tony Saxon awarded $140,000, plus legal fees and costs.
- Jury rejected claim of wrongful termination.
- Ye's team plans to appeal and pursue a countersuit.
Jury Finds Ye Responsible for Employee Claims
The jury determined that Tony Saxon was an employee of Ye and sustained injuries while working on the Malibu property. This finding supported a core part of Saxon's claim.
However, the jury did not side with Saxon on all counts. They rejected his claim of wrongful termination, which would have significantly increased the potential damages. This mixed verdict means both parties found elements to claim as wins and losses.
"Today’s mixed verdict is a vindication for our client, Tony Saxon," stated Ronald Zambrano, employment chair of West Coast Trial Lawyers, representing Saxon. "Mr. Saxon stood firm against one of the biggest celebrities in the world, with the truth on his side."
The legal team for Saxon anticipates that the total judgment against Ye, once attorney's fees and costs are added, will exceed $1 million. They remain committed to representing employees who they believe have been treated unfairly.
Key Figures
- $1.7 million: Amount of compensatory damages Saxon's attorney requested.
- $140,000: Amount awarded to Saxon for injury claims.
- Over $1 million: Estimated total judgment against Ye after legal fees.
Ye's Team Plans Appeal and Countersuit
Representatives for Ye, including Milo Yiannopoulos, quickly issued a statement following the verdict. They highlighted that the jury rejected most of Saxon's claims, particularly those related to lost wages, overtime, and punitive damages.
The statement emphasized that the only damages awarded were for the injury claim. Ye's team believes the $140,000 award is legally barred because the jury also found Saxon acted as a contractor and did not qualify for an employee exception under California's contractor licensing statutes. Under state law, an unlicensed contractor cannot recover compensation for work requiring a license.
Background on the Property
The Malibu mansion at the center of the dispute is an architectural landmark. It was designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Saxon's testimony described Ye's intent to extensively gut the beach house, remove stairs, and eliminate outside electricity and plumbing to take it off the grid. Ye's wife, Bianca Censori, testified that her husband wanted to remove one stairwell and replace it with a slide.
Beyond appealing the current judgment, Ye's camp confirmed their intention to proceed with a separate, larger lawsuit against Saxon and his attorneys. This countersuit stems from an alleged unlawful mechanic's lien placed on Ye's Malibu property.
According to Ye's representatives, this lien "clouded the home’s title and interfered with its sale, destroying substantial value at the time of sale." They anticipate this second lawsuit will address what they consider to be "far more serious misconduct."
Trial Testimony Reveals Unusual Details
The trial, which began on February 23, included testimony from both Ye and his wife, Bianca Censori. Observers noted Ye's demeanor on the stand, where he frequently responded with "I don't recall" and appeared disengaged.
During closing arguments, Ye's attorney, Andrew Cherlaskey, addressed reports that his client had fallen asleep. Cherlaskey stated, "He wasn’t sleeping. He was bored. This is beneath him."
Saxon had claimed Ye promised him $20,000 per week for his role, but only one such payment was made, in addition to $100,000 for construction costs. Saxon also testified he suffered severe back and neck injuries on the job.
Ye's attorneys attempted to challenge Saxon's injury claims by presenting video evidence of him performing vigorously with a band, including rolling on the floor.
Security and Off-Grid Ambitions
Saxon's testimony painted a picture of unusual demands. He claimed he was forced to act as a round-the-clock security guard in addition to his project manager duties as the mansion was being dismantled. Ye allegedly told him, "Stay here now. You can’t leave."
Saxon also recounted personal interactions, including Ye picking him up when his car ran out of gas. Ye, however, claimed on the stand he did not remember these encounters or conversations. He did, however, acknowledge complaining about Saxon's smell when asked by the attorney.
The legal battle represents another public challenge for Ye, who has faced significant scrutiny and business setbacks in recent years due to controversial public statements. Despite these challenges, some entertainment ventures continue, with an announced appearance at SoFi Stadium on April 3 and the release of his "Bully" album later this month.