Rapper and fashion mogul Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is facing a legal battle over his Malibu mansion project, as a former employee seeks more than $1 million in alleged unpaid wages and damages.
Jury selection in the case began this week. The lawsuit, originally filed in September 2023, was brought by Tony Saxon, who claims he was subjected to unsafe working conditions, disability discrimination, unpaid wages and reimbursements, as well as wrongful retaliatory termination.
According to the complaint, Kanye West purchased the beachfront Malibu property in 2021 and hired Saxon as project manager for an extensive renovation. Saxon alleges he was also required to serve as a full-time security guard and live-in caretaker, with an agreed pay rate of $20,000 per week. However, he claims he received only one payment.
Saxon further alleges he was forced to sleep in makeshift conditions on the property and that his complaints about safety concerns were ignored. In a social media post last year, he claimed the renovation plans included building a bunker in the basement, while removing basic amenities such as electricity, plumbing, windows, and stairs.
He also alleges that he suffered a severe back injury in November 2021 and requested time off to recover, but was instead pressured to continue working. Saxon claims he was eventually terminated for refusing to comply with what he described as dangerous instructions.
In a press release issued by his legal team, Saxon stated that he is owed over $1 million in unpaid wages and lost earnings. He is also seeking compensation for medical expenses and emotional distress.
The case is expected to proceed as the court examines the claims surrounding the high-profile renovation project.
