Kanye West has been ordered to pay $140,000 following a lawsuit related to his luxurious Malibu mansion, stemming from allegations of unpaid wages, wrongful termination, and poor working conditions. The verdict was delivered by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury on 10 March 2026, concluding a trial that highlighted the grievances of former project manager Tony Saxon.
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Saxon’s civil complaint, first filed in September 2023, originally sought an enormous $1.7 million in compensatory damages. He claimed that, while employed on West’s multi-million-dollar property, he was not only underpaid but also suffered significant injuries and faced deplorable living conditions. The jury, however, ultimately awarded him significantly less, with no additional punitive damages.
The controversy began when West acquired the Malibu mansion in 2021 for a staggering $57 million, subsequently removing all interior fittings and fixtures to remodel the house. The property was later sold for $21 million in August 2024, according to reports from industry insiders.
Saxon alleged that he was hired to oversee the work on the mansion, acting both as a project manager and provide full-time security and caretaking for the residence at a salary of £20,000 weekly. However, he claimed he only received a single payment at that promised rate and was left to sleep in makeshift conditions, reportedly using his coat as bedding on the floor.
As the trial progressed, Saxon’s lawyers argued that West owed him tens of thousands in unpaid wages and overtime payments, asserting that Saxon was unjustly dismissed after sustaining injuries to his back and neck while performing his duties. In their closing statements, they emphasised the extent of the alleged mistreatment he endured.
In contrast, West’s legal team maintained that Saxon had received a total of £240,000 in compensation for his work. They contended that Saxon’s claims regarding his injuries lacked credibility and that he had not sought consistent medical treatment. One of West’s attorneys denounced Saxon’s character, labelling him a liar and implying his claims were fabricated.
Following the verdict, Milo Yiannopoulos, a spokesperson for West and his wife, Bianca Censori, remarked that damages awarded were strictly related to Saxon’s injury claims. He emphasised that West’s legal team would pursue a subsequent case concerning an alleged unlawful mechanic’s lien placed on the Malibu property by Saxon and his attorney.
The lien, reportedly filed in January 2024, was a legal claim made to secure compensation for Saxon’s work, leading West to file a counter-suit against both men in January 2026, asserting that their actions had unlawfully encumbered his property.
In a statement juxtaposing the trial outcomes, Yiannopoulos noted that the initial verdict represented a small fraction of what Saxon’s legal team had initially sought. He suggested that the forthcoming lawsuit would address the serious issues surrounding the lien, which he claimed had caused significant damages to West.
On behalf of Saxon, attorneys Ronald Zambrano and Neama Rahmani remarked on the mixed results of the jury’s decision, calling it a form of vindication for their client. They expressed that despite the challenges posed by West’s lawyers, who had heavily scrutinised Saxon’s medical history and personal circumstances in court, Saxon had stood firm in his pursuit of justice.
While the awarded amount fell short of Saxon’s original claims, his lawyers expressed optimism, mentioning the possibility of recovering attorney’s fees and costs as per California Labour Code, which they believe could result in a judgement exceeding £1 million against West.
Rahmani affirmed the resolve of Saxon and his legal team, pledging they would not be intimidated by West or his attorneys. He concluded with gratitude towards the jury for their time and verdict, highlighting the significance of the outcome in the face of overwhelming odds.
This case exemplifies not only the struggles within celebrity employment but also the broader implications of labour rights against high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry.