Ye Faces $1 Million Lawsuit from Contractor Over Alleged Unsafe Work Conditions

Jury trial begins as designer Tony Saxon seeks damages for unpaid wages and emotional distress

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A jury trial against rapper Ye (formerly Kanye West) begins today as a contractor, Tony Saxon, is seeking $1 million in damages. Saxon claims he was hired in 2021 to manage renovations on Ye's Malibu mansion, but faced unsafe working conditions, unpaid wages, and was ultimately fired after raising concerns about the hazardous environment.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues around workplace safety, employee rights, and the responsibilities of high-profile figures like Ye to ensure proper treatment of workers. It also raises questions about the challenges contractors can face when working for demanding celebrity clients.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Ye and his wife Bianca Censori hired Saxon as a project manager in September 2021 to oversee renovations on their $57.3 million Malibu mansion. Saxon claims he was required to work 16-hour days in unsafe conditions, including sleeping on a makeshift bed in the gutted home. When Saxon requested time off to recover from a back injury, Ye allegedly insisted the work continue. Saxon was then terminated on November 5, 2021 after raising concerns about the hazardous environment.

  • The lawsuit was first filed by Tony Saxon in September 2023.
  • The jury trial against Ye begins today, February 23, 2026, with jury selection.
  • Ye reportedly sold the partially renovated Malibu mansion for $21 million in September 2024.

The players

Ye

Formerly known as Kanye West, Ye is a rapper, producer, and fashion designer who hired Tony Saxon to oversee renovations on his Malibu home.

Tony Saxon

A designer and contractor who is suing Ye for $1 million in damages over alleged unsafe working conditions and unpaid wages during the Malibu mansion renovation project.

Bianca Censori

Ye's wife, who is expected to testify in the trial.

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What they’re saying

“Ye has shown a reckless disregard toward his employees and has flouted the law in unbelievably dangerous ways throughout this entire project at the Malibu house. No employee should have to suffer through the sort of working conditions Mr. Saxon was forced to endure yet Ye showed no concern and merely wanted the work done, despite the hazardous and unsafe, not to mention illegal, actions he was trying to force the plaintiff to undertake.”

— Ron Zambrano, Attorney for Tony Saxon (West Coast Employment Lawyers)

What’s next

The judge will decide on whether to allow Ye to be released on bail during the trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of workplace safety and employee rights, even for high-profile figures like Ye. It underscores the need for accountability and responsible treatment of workers, regardless of the client's status or demands.