Jury reaches verdict in handyman Tony Saxon’s lawsuit against Ye over Malibu mansion

Verdict to be read in Kanye West lawsuit trial

The verdict will be read Wednesday in the lawsuit by a handyman who alleges he was not fully compensated for work overseeing a renovation project at the Malibu mansion of rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West.

LOS ANGELES - A Los Angeles jury is set to reveal its verdict Wednesday morning in a high-profile labor dispute involving Tony Saxon and the artist formerly known as Kanye West. 

What we know:

 The case centers on a 2021 renovation project at Ye’s Malibu estate that Tony Saxon claims resulted in breach of contract and hazardous demands.

Saxon sued Ye in September 2023, alleging he was hired to oversee a massive remodel for $20,000 a week but was stiffed on nearly all wages. 

Saxon testified that he was forced to sleep on the mansion floor and was eventually fired in November 2021 for refusing to follow "dangerous requests" that lacked proper safety equipment. 

During testimony, Ye claimed he was unsure if he served as CEO of Yeezy Construction and made disparaging remarks about the plaintiff's personal hygiene. 

The jury reached a decision late Tuesday afternoon, but Judge Brock T. Hammond opted to have the verdict read the following morning.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Kanye West testifies in trial over Malibu mansion lawsuit

What we don't know:

The specific amount of damages the jury may award Saxon remains unknown, as does the jury's finding on the specific claims of "dangerous requests" and wrongful termination. 

It is also unclear how the verdict might impact other potential labor or construction-related liabilities for Ye’s other business entities.

What they're saying:

According to the lawsuit, the day Saxon was fired, Ye told him, "If you don't do what I say, you're not going to work for me, I'm not gonna be your friend anymore and you'll just see me on TV." 

When Saxon replied, "I don't watch TV," Ye reportedly responded with a single word: "Leave." In court, Ye’s testimony was characterized by frequent refrains of "I'm not sure" when asked about his corporate responsibilities.

What's next:

Once the verdict is read Wednesday morning, both legal teams will review the findings to determine if there are grounds for an appeal.

 If Saxon wins, the court will begin the process of enforcing the judgment, which may include the previously ordered $3,320 in sanctions for discovery delays.