Kanye West's High-Stakes Battle for Malibu Mansion Continues as $57 Million Lawsuit Looms Over Construction Consultant
A Los Angeles County judge has rejected Kanye West's attempt to block a construction consultant, Tony Saxon, from recovering unpaid wages and damages in a $57 million lawsuit related to the rapper's infamous Malibu mansion.
Saxon had filed a labor lawsuit against West in 2023, claiming that he was placed in "extreme danger" during his brief stint as the manager of West's beachside home. The case revolves around the tumultuous construction process, which allegedly saw Saxon ordered to remove electricity and windows from the house, creating hazardous conditions.
In a court hearing on Thursday, the judge ruled that Saxon's claims had been adequately pleaded and that any questions about licensing were for a jury to decide. The lawsuit seeks payment of $20,000 per week, as well as medical expenses and damages related to lost earnings and emotional distress.
West's lawyers argued that Saxon was not a licensed contractor and should be barred from recovering construction-related payments. However, the judge rejected this challenge, stating that it was premature.
The case is set to proceed to trial on March 2, with Saxon's lawyer expressing optimism about presenting evidence and testimony to the jury. In an email, West's attorney, Katie Cherkasky, claimed that her client intends to win, but declined to comment on the details of the case.
The saga surrounding the Tadao Ando-designed mansion has been marked by controversy and drama. Last week, Ye filed a separate lawsuit against Saxon, alleging that he had "wrongfully" placed a $1.8 million lien on the mansion while promoting an aggressive publicity campaign to extract payment from West.
The sale of the mansion, which was eventually purchased for $21 million, is seen as a significant blow to West's reputation and financial stability. The buyer, Steve "Bo" Belmont, has vowed to restore the architectural gem to its former glory, leaving Kanye's mark behind.
A Los Angeles County judge has rejected Kanye West's attempt to block a construction consultant, Tony Saxon, from recovering unpaid wages and damages in a $57 million lawsuit related to the rapper's infamous Malibu mansion.
Saxon had filed a labor lawsuit against West in 2023, claiming that he was placed in "extreme danger" during his brief stint as the manager of West's beachside home. The case revolves around the tumultuous construction process, which allegedly saw Saxon ordered to remove electricity and windows from the house, creating hazardous conditions.
In a court hearing on Thursday, the judge ruled that Saxon's claims had been adequately pleaded and that any questions about licensing were for a jury to decide. The lawsuit seeks payment of $20,000 per week, as well as medical expenses and damages related to lost earnings and emotional distress.
West's lawyers argued that Saxon was not a licensed contractor and should be barred from recovering construction-related payments. However, the judge rejected this challenge, stating that it was premature.
The case is set to proceed to trial on March 2, with Saxon's lawyer expressing optimism about presenting evidence and testimony to the jury. In an email, West's attorney, Katie Cherkasky, claimed that her client intends to win, but declined to comment on the details of the case.
The saga surrounding the Tadao Ando-designed mansion has been marked by controversy and drama. Last week, Ye filed a separate lawsuit against Saxon, alleging that he had "wrongfully" placed a $1.8 million lien on the mansion while promoting an aggressive publicity campaign to extract payment from West.
The sale of the mansion, which was eventually purchased for $21 million, is seen as a significant blow to West's reputation and financial stability. The buyer, Steve "Bo" Belmont, has vowed to restore the architectural gem to its former glory, leaving Kanye's mark behind.
! I mean, can't a guy just get his mansion built without drama? $57 million lawsuit? That's wild 
. Saxon was just trying to do his job and ended up in "extreme danger" - sounds like West's team was more interested in making headlines than building a decent home 
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. The sale of the mansion must've been a huge blow to his rep and finances - it's like he just wanted to get rid of the thing before people realized what a hot mess it was 
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. Like, seriously, how did they miss that one? It's not like Tony Saxon is trying to scam him or something... he's just asking for what's owed to him, which is basic human decency 
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. Give me a break, dude. The fact remains that Kanye is being sued for not paying his contractor and he needs to own up to it.
. It's like, come on West, you can't just buy and sell people's work without giving them the respect they deserve 
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! A construction consultant is suing him for $57 million over unpaid wages and damages from his Malibu mansion renovation 
. I don't know what's more dramatic, Kanye's ego or this lawsuit 
. This whole saga is just wild 
. I'm rooting for the construction consultant 
, hope he gets his due 
. and btw, who needs a $1.8 million lien anyway? 
. either way, it's gonna be a wild ride 
The whole thing just feels like a massive PR stunt to distract from whatever else is going on with his finances or mental health... we all know Kanye's got more problems than this 
. Saxon's lawyer seems confident, which is great for him. I hope he gets some justice and payment for his troubles 
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. And can we talk about how messed up this whole situation is? There are people who are just trying to do their job and make a living, and Kanye's just making things harder for them with his drama-filled antics 
. Anyway, it's going to be super interesting to see how this all plays out... but I'm not exactly rooting for West here 
. And Kanye's team is already filing a separate lawsuit against Saxon, which just adds to the chaos. March 2 can't come soon enough so this case can finally be settled! 
and can we just talk about how tacky it is of west to try to sue saxton after suing him himself? 
The judge did the right thing by saying Saxon's claims were plausible and not just a wild goose chase. Fingers crossed for Saxon, hoping he gets paid what's owed to him and can move on from this wild ride 
(who knows, maybe Kanye can use this as an inspiration for his next album 
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. West thinks he can strong-arm the courts into dismissing the lawsuit? please 
. And now he's throwing more shade by suing Saxon again? that's just extra sauce 
. Anyway, I'm low-key rooting for Saxon to win this thing – maybe someone'll finally put a stop to Kanye's ego-fueled meltdown cycle 
he deserves better than that 
And now Tony Saxon is suing him for $57 million... that's crazy