A jury has determined that Kanye West must pay $140,000 to a former employee over disputes tied to renovations at his former Malibu mansion. The case centers on Tony Saxton, who said he was hired as a project manager during the extensive work on West’s oceanfront property. Saxton alleged the conditions were unsafe. He also claimed he was dismissed after only a few weeks on the job.
Court filings indicate that Saxton was brought in to help oversee work on the multimillion-dollar home. However, he received just one paycheck before his termination roughly seven weeks later. He initially sought more than $1.7 million in damages, citing lost wages and medical expenses tied to the alleged hazards. After reviewing testimony, jurors found West responsible for a portion of the claims. Ultimately, they awarded far less than Saxton had requested. The final judgment requires West to cover about $140,000 in unpaid wages and medical costs.
West’s Limited Recall Marks End of Malibu Renovation Dispute
West testified during the proceedings, acknowledging that he had limited recollection of Saxton or the circumstances surrounding his hiring. He reportedly expressed uncertainty about who formally brought Saxton onto the project. His wife, Bianca Censori, also appeared in court. She explained that while she interacted with Saxton during the renovation, their time working together was brief.
The verdict closes a contentious chapter in the saga of West’s Malibu property. It highlights the legal and logistical challenges that can arise during large-scale celebrity construction projects. Though the ruling resolves this particular dispute, it also provides a glimpse into the complex dynamics of managing high-profile real estate renovations.
