Kanye West Mansion Trial Begins Next Week As Judge Issues 'Revealing Clothing' Warning

The judge warned that anyone wearing inappropriate attire will be barred from the courtroom during the 12-day trial.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 10:43pm

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Kanye West, now known as Ye, and his wife Bianca Censori are expected to testify at a trial next week over a construction worker's lawsuit related to Ye's troubled Malibu mansion project. The judge overseeing the case has issued a warning about 'revealing clothing' and said anyone not complying with the court's basic dress code will be turned away.

Why it matters

This trial is the first to reach a jury out of a wave of civil complaints from plaintiffs who have worked for Ye over the past six years. It comes after Ye's highly publicized antisemitic tirades, which led to him being sued more than a dozen times and losing major business deals. The judge's warning about attire suggests concerns about potential disruptions or provocations during the high-profile proceedings.

The details

The lawsuit was filed by construction worker Tony Saxon, who alleges he was hired by Ye in September 2021 to oversee renovations of the $57.3 million Malibu mansion Ye purchased that year. Saxon claims he was promised $20,000 a week but received only a single payment, and that he was fired in retaliation for raising safety concerns about Ye's plans to remove all electricity, windows and plumbing from the home, relying only on large generators. Saxon is seeking unpaid wages, medical expenses and damages.

  • The 12-day trial is scheduled to begin next week.
  • Ye purchased the Malibu mansion for $57.3 million in 2021 and sold it for $21 million in 2024, marking a staggering loss.
  • Ye went on a highly publicized antisemitic tirade several years ago, leading to him being sued more than a dozen times.

The players

Kanye West

Also known as Ye, the rapper and fashion designer who purchased and renovated the Malibu mansion at the center of the lawsuit.

Bianca Censori

Kanye West's wife, who is expected to testify at the trial and may represent Ye's company at the defense table.

Tony Saxon

The construction worker who is suing Kanye West over unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions during the Malibu mansion renovation project.

Judge Brock T. Hammond

The judge overseeing the trial, who has issued a warning about 'revealing clothing' and said anyone not complying with the court's dress code will be turned away.

Andrew Cherkasky

The lawyer representing Kanye West and Bianca Censori, who expressed concerns about potential security issues and disruptive behavior from the public during the trial.

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What they’re saying

“The parties and witnesses you're calling must comply with the basic dress code of the court. No hats, sunglasses, or revealing clothing. No drama. And if someone doesn't comply, they will not be allowed in the courtroom. If a witness is not dressed appropriately, they will be turned around at the door.”

— Judge Brock T. Hammond

“I'm nervous about safety. If [Kanye West] is just standing in the hallway during court breaks, it could be a dangerous situation for him and others. I'm requesting, even if it's just a closet or some sort, that we have some place we can go where there's a zone of safety for my client.”

— Andrew Cherkasky, Lawyer for Kanye West and Bianca Censori

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide in the coming days whether to allow a last-minute settlement before the 12-day trial begins next week.

The takeaway

This trial highlights the ongoing legal troubles facing Kanye West, whose past antisemitic remarks and erratic behavior have led to a wave of lawsuits from former employees and business partners. The judge's warning about appropriate attire suggests concerns about potential disruptions during the high-profile proceedings.