A significant legal dispute has unfolded for Kanye West, better known as Ye, as a former employee pushes forward with a lawsuit claiming unpaid wages and unsafe labor conditions connected to his Malibu mansion renovation. The case, originally launched in September 2023 by worker Tony Saxon, centers on allegations that West agreed to pay Saxon a hefty weekly rate of $20,000 for project management, security, and caretaker services—but only paid him once.
Saxon alleges that the demanding job conditions included extended hours, makeshift sleeping arrangements on the property, and ignored safety concerns amid ongoing demolition work. His complaint also includes claims of disability discrimination and wrongful termination after he resisted performing what he considered to be dangerous tasks.
With jury selection kicking off in late February 2026 in Los Angeles Superior Court, Saxon is seeking more than $1 million in unpaid wages, reimbursement for expenses, compensation for medical care, and damages for emotional distress. The lawsuit has drawn added attention because West is expected to testify, marking one of the few times in recent years the artist will take the stand in a civil court.
Adding another layer to the dispute, West has filed a countersuit challenging a $1.8 million mechanics lien Saxon placed against the Malibu property in an effort to secure what he believes he is owed. The spectacle underscores the challenges that can arise when celebrity wealth and creative ambition intersect with employment and construction disputes.