Construction worker seeks unpaid wages as judge issues courtroom decorum warning.
Court proceedings are set to begin next week in Los Angeles in a lawsuit stemming from renovations at Kanye West’s former Malibu mansion, with the presiding judge cautioning that standard courtroom decorum will be enforced.
During a pretrial hearing, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Brock T. Hammond reminded attorneys that all participants, including witnesses and spectators, must adhere to appropriate dress standards. West and his wife, Bianca Censori, are expected to testify.
The civil case was brought by Tony Saxon, a construction worker who alleges he was hired in 2021 to oversee renovations and provide security at the oceanfront property, originally designed by architect Tadao Ando. In his complaint, Saxon claims he was promised $20,000 per week but was paid only once. He further alleges that he lived on-site under challenging conditions and was terminated after raising safety concerns about the project.
West purchased the Malibu home in 2021 for $57.3 million and later undertook extensive alterations that stripped much of the structure to its framework. The property was sold in 2024 for $21 million, substantially less than the original purchase price.
According to court filings, Saxon contends that renovation directives created hazardous working conditions and that he is owed unpaid wages and additional damages. West has denied the allegations.
The trial is expected to last approximately 12 days and may be the first of several legal disputes tied to West’s business activities to reach a jury. West’s attorney raised concerns about potential crowds at the courthouse, citing the artist’s public profile. The judge indicated that security would be present, but said no special accommodations would be made.
Jury selection is scheduled to begin next week in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
