Ye Faces $1 Million Lawsuit from Contractor Over Malibu Mansion Renovation

A trial begins as a designer and contractor sues the rapper over alleged unsafe working conditions and unpaid wages.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A lawsuit trial against Ye begins today as a contractor named Tony Saxon is seeking $1 million in damages from the rapper. Saxon claims he was hired in 2021 to manage the renovation of Ye's Malibu mansion, but faced horrible workplace conditions including being required to sleep in the gutted home, work 16-hour days, and continue working despite a back injury. Saxon alleges he was terminated after raising concerns about the unsafe environment, and is now suing for unpaid wages, lost earnings, medical costs, and emotional distress.

Why it matters

This case highlights the potential risks and challenges that can arise when high-profile figures hire contractors for major home renovation projects. It also raises questions about workplace safety standards and the treatment of workers, especially in the entertainment industry.

The details

According to the lawsuit, in September 2021, Ye and his wife Bianca Censori hired Saxon as a project manager to oversee the renovation of their $57.3 million Malibu mansion. The renovations included demolishing the kitchen and bathrooms, restructuring the staircase into a slide, and cutting off all electricity. Saxon claims he and Ye agreed on a $20,000 per week pay rate, but he only received two payments during construction. Saxon alleges he faced horrible workplace conditions, including being required to sleep in the gutted mansion on a makeshift bed and work 16-hour days. He also claims that at one point, he woke up to see Ye standing over him. In early November 2021, Saxon says he "injured his back severely" and requested time off, but Ye allegedly insisted the work continue despite his injury. Finally, when Saxon informed Ye about the unsafe environment, he was terminated on November 5, 2021. Ye later sold the partially renovated mansion for $21 million in 2024.

  • In September 2021, Ye and Bianca Censori hired Tony Saxon as a project manager for the renovation of their Malibu mansion.
  • In early November 2021, Saxon claims he "injured his back severely" and requested time off, but Ye allegedly insisted the work continue.
  • On November 5, 2021, Saxon was terminated from the job after informing Ye about the unsafe work environment.
  • In September 2024, Ye sold the partially renovated Malibu mansion for $21 million.

The players

Ye

The Chicago rapper-producer, formerly known as Kanye West, who hired Tony Saxon to manage the renovation of his Malibu mansion.

Bianca Censori

Ye's wife, who was involved in the hiring of Tony Saxon for the Malibu mansion renovation project.

Tony Saxon

A designer and contractor who was hired by Ye and Bianca Censori to manage the renovation of their Malibu mansion, and is now suing Ye for $1 million in damages.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential risks and challenges that can arise when high-profile figures hire contractors for major home renovation projects, and raises questions about workplace safety standards and the treatment of workers, especially in the entertainment industry.