Kanye West’s defense team is pushing back hard against a $150,000 jury verdict handed down in his Malibu mansion lawsuit. The legal team argues that the evidence presented was not strong enough to support the judgment. This legal challenge comes after handyman Tony Saxon won the verdict, claiming serious injuries sustained while working on West’s Malibu property. As reported by AllHipHop, West bought the $57 million home in 2021, intending to convert it into an off-the-grid bunker.

Kanye West’s Mansion Project

The vision for the Malibu estate was quite radical. Kanye West wanted to strip the luxury home down, ordering the removal of all plumbing, cabinets, electrical systems, and even a built-in concrete fireplace. He eventually sold the property three years later for $21 million, a significant financial loss from his initial investment. Saxon originally sought $1.7 million in damages for his claimed injuries. However, the jury ultimately awarded him $150,000, splitting the amount equally between past and future economic losses.

Legal Team’s Argument

West’s attorneys, Andrew and Catherine Cherkasky, are now challenging the validity of this verdict. They stated in their motion that the case went to the jury without any admissible medical bills or records that established an injury. Furthermore, they highlighted a contradiction in the jury’s decision, noting they awarded $50,000 for future economic losses but zero dollars for future pain and suffering. This occurred despite physician recommendations for ongoing treatment based on anticipated pain.

Saxon’s Defense Responds

Tony Saxon’s legal team, led by Ronald Zambrano, dismissed the motion to overturn. Zambrano expressed strong confidence that the judge would uphold the jury’s decision. He also mentioned that attorney fees and costs could push the final judgment well over $1 million. During the trial, jurors decided Saxon was an employee, not an independent contractor. However, they found no evidence of wrongful termination, malice, or fraud.

Jury Observations

Jurors observed Kanye West’s behavior on the stand. Some noted that he appeared bored during proceedings. Others felt he seemed contemptuous. West’s spokesperson, Milo Yiannopoulos, argued that parts of the verdict actually supported West’s stance. He contended that Saxon worked as a contractor, making the damages award legally invalid. A hearing on the motion to dismiss is scheduled for April 15, 2026

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