A former employee of Kanye West’s Malibu mansion is seeking $1.7 million in damages, claiming he was injured and fired after refusing to operate carbon monoxide-spewing generators indoors. The civil trial, which has drawn national attention, centers around Tony Saxon, a 35-year-old who worked on the demolition and security of the high-profile property designed by architect Tadao Ando.

Allegations of Unsafe Conditions and Unpaid Wages

Saxon’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, argued during the two-week trial that his client was an employee, not an independent contractor, and presented thousands of pages of text messages and documents to support the claim. These messages showed exchanges between Saxon and West, who purchased the Ando-designed home in 2021 and later sold it for $21 million in September 2024, marking a significant financial loss.

Zambrano highlighted that Saxon was hired to oversee the mansion’s demolition, which included stripping the house of plumbing, fixtures, and other elements. He alleged that West did not secure necessary permits for the project and failed to provide workers’ compensation insurance for Saxon, leaving him financially vulnerable after an injury.

According to Zambrano, Saxon received $240,000 from West, but only $65,315 remained in his accounts when he was fired. He argued that the funds were used to pay workers and buy supplies for the project.

Contrasting Legal Narratives

West’s legal team, led by Andrew Cherkasky, painted a starkly different picture, calling Saxon a “professional victim” who fabricated a story about an injury and unpaid wages for an undeserved payday. Cherkasky claimed that Saxon voluntarily stayed at West’s “castle on the beach” and later fabricated a narrative to seek compensation.

Cherkasky also praised West for testifying for three hours, despite appearing drowsy and struggling to stay awake. He argued that West’s presence was a “participation prize” and that Saxon’s claims lacked credibility.

During the trial, West’s wife, Bianca Censori, testified that she signed documents on his behalf using a power of attorney, which she described as a “personal touch” for her husband. She also claimed Saxon told her he was a licensed contractor, though Saxon denies this.

Zambrano countered by pointing to a message from Censori in a group text that read: “No permitting increases caution,” suggesting that West was aware of the lack of permits for the project. He also highlighted messages from Saxon to West and Censori, where he described his back injury and asked for a chiropractor appointment.

Testimonies and Project Scope

Handyman Jeromy Holding testified that the project had no permits and that no one considered Saxon the right person to handle permitting. He described the mansion as being intended for various uses, including a private school, a bomb shelter, and a playground with slides and ramps. He also claimed that West yelled at Saxon to work faster.

Censori, who worked on the Ando house, testified that West’s vision for the property remained consistent and was described as “iterations” of an overarching concept. She denied that the project was chaotic or rushed, though Saxon and his legal team presented evidence suggesting otherwise.

West’s testimony, though brief, was marked by moments of drowsiness and monotone responses. He admitted he hired Saxon to execute his vision for the Ando house but did not elaborate further on the project’s details or his relationship with Saxon.

Jurors are expected to begin deliberations soon, with the trial marking the first case to reach a jury among a wave of civil complaints filed by individuals who worked for West in the past six years. The musician has faced over a dozen lawsuits following his public outbursts on social media, including a controversial Twitter post in 2022 that sparked widespread criticism.

Saxon’s case is part of a broader trend of legal challenges against West, who has been involved in multiple high-profile disputes. The trial has drawn attention to the working conditions and legal obligations of individuals who work for high-profile celebrities, particularly in the absence of proper permits and insurance.