Kanye West has been ordered to pay $140,000 after losing a lawsuit tied to renovation work at his Malibu mansion.
A Los Angeles jury awarded the money to handyman Tony Saxton, who claimed he was hired to manage work at the beachfront property before being abruptly dismissed.
Saxton had originally sought $1.7 million in damages, alleging wrongful termination, unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions. The jury ultimately granted compensation covering medical expenses and lost wages.
According to court testimony, Saxton worked on the project for about seven weeks and said he was paid only once during that time.
The case also shed light on West’s extensive renovation plans for the property. Court documents described proposals to strip the home of most of its electrical and plumbing systems as part of a dramatic redesign.
Testimony during the trial revealed several unusual ideas for the mansion, including plans for a bomb shelter, a monastery-style space, a recording studio and a playground.
Saxton also described a tense moment on the job when a worker allegedly referred to West’s then-wife Kim Kardashian by the wrong name.
During the trial, West and his partner Bianca Censori both appeared in court. At one point, observers noted that West seemed to briefly fall asleep during the proceedings.
When asked about some of the allegations, West reportedly said he did not recall the incidents.
Following the verdict, West’s spokesperson Milo Yiannopoulos said the outcome was “probably unsatisfying for everyone,” while arguing the result was far smaller than the amount originally sought by the plaintiff.
