Kanye West Trial: Worker Testifies Over Malibu Mansion Demolition & Alleged Abuse
Los Angeles, CA – , the civil trial stemming from renovations at Kanye West’s former Malibu mansion took a revealing turn as Tony Saxon, the plaintiff in the case, testified about the demanding and often unsettling conditions he experienced while working for the artist, now known as Ye. Saxon detailed instances where he was allegedly ordered to live on-site around the clock and subjected to unexpected, late-night check-ins by West himself.
Saxon recounted one particularly jarring experience, describing how he awoke to find West standing over his makeshift bed – a mattress placed on a concrete floor alongside bottled water and protein drinks. “He stood over me and asked, ‘Why are you not working?’” Saxon testified, recalling the incident occurred around 3 or 4 in the morning. When Saxon responded that he needed sleep, West reportedly “chuckled.”
Despite the unsettling moments, Saxon described a fluctuating dynamic with West, noting a period of friendly rapport marked by frequent text message exchanges filled with “brother” and heart emojis. However, this amicable surface masked a constant state of pressure, according to Saxon’s testimony. He alleged West frequently demanded photographic updates on the construction progress, criticized his clothing choices (preferring an all-black uniform), and unexpectedly added 24/7 security duties to his workload.
Saxon’s testimony painted a picture of a highly ambitious and unconventional renovation project. West, according to Saxon, envisioned transforming the Tadao Ando-designed home – purchased for $57.3 million in – into an “open-concept, off-the-grid bunker” with privatized Wi-Fi and renewable energy sources. The scope of the project involved stripping the house of its wiring, plumbing, a jacuzzi, chimney, fire pits, and even a black-marble bathroom. Saxon testified that West even ordered the removal of all windows and glass, aiming for a “very bare, minimalistic” aesthetic.
The trial also revealed details about the evolving nature of Saxon’s role. Initially hired as a project manager, he was allegedly tasked with additional responsibilities, including security, after West fired the original night watchman. Saxon testified that West instructed him to remain on the property indefinitely, stating, “Stay here now. You can’t leave.”
West’s legal team countered Saxon’s claims, arguing that he was an unlicensed contractor who “destroyed” the architectural integrity of the home while operating as an independent contractor. Attorney Andrew Cherkasky asserted that Saxon sought to keep the project discreet to avoid scrutiny of his unlicensed status. Saxon, however, testified that West specifically instructed him to avoid obtaining permits, emphasizing the need to keep the renovation “under the radar.”
Text message exchanges displayed in court further illuminated the dynamic between the two men. In one message, Saxon cautioned West about making too much noise, writing, “We should probably chill for a bit on major noise outside until Monday, not to draw attention.” West responded positively. Another exchange showed Saxon informing West about the discreet removal of construction debris, prompting a heart emoji and a message of “Awesome, keep sending updates” from West.
Amidst the demanding work environment, Saxon testified that West also displayed moments of unexpected kindness. He recounted an instance where West, noticing Saxon hadn’t showered in days, took him to the Nobu Hotel in Kim Kardashian’s Lamborghini, providing him with a shower and fresh towels. “I stunk,” Saxon said. “He ran the bath for me, put out the towel, and said, ‘You’ll never forget this moment.’ And I said, ‘Goddamn right I won’t.’ And we had a laugh about that.”
Saxon also testified about sustaining a back injury while dismantling chimney stacks, describing a forceful impact that “whiplashed” his body. Cherkasky challenged this claim, stating there were no medical records documenting an on-the-job injury. Saxon’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, acknowledged that his client did not immediately seek medical attention.
The trial, projected to last another two weeks, is expected to feature testimony from both Ye and his wife, Bianca Censori. Saxon’s initial lawsuit, filed in , alleges labor code violations and retaliation. He claims he was terminated after raising concerns about the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning from generators installed after the home’s electricity was disconnected. Saxon previously told Rolling Stone that West allegedly said, “If you don’t do what I asked you to do, you’re a Clinton. You’re a Kardashian. You’re an enemy … You’re only going to see me on TV,” before firing him.
Milo Yiannopoulos, a spokesperson for West, was present in court. The jury, comprised of seven women and five men, requires at least nine votes to reach a verdict. This case marks the first to go to trial among a series of civil complaints filed against West following controversial remarks made in . Last month, West issued a public apology in The Wall Street Journal, attributing his past behavior to bipolar disorder and previous head trauma.