Trending Now - Kanye West Struggles to Stay Awake During Malibu Trial

WHO:

Kanye West, also known as Ye

Ron Zambrano, attorney for plaintiff Tony Saxon

Tony Saxon, plaintiff claiming $1 million in unpaid wages and expenses

Bianca Censori, Ye's wife

Steve “Bo” Belmont, buyer of the Ando house

Courtroom stenographer

WHAT:

Ye testified in a trial regarding his treatment of contractor Tony Saxon.

Saxon claims he was hired as a construction project manager and security guard but was misclassified and mistreated.

Ye answered many questions with “I don’t recall” and appeared drowsy during testimony.

Ye sold the Ando house for $21 million in September 2024.

Saxon alleges he was ordered to remove all wiring, plumbing, and toilets from the residence and suffered injuries while working.

Ye's lawyers argue Saxon was an independent contractor who failed to perform his duties.

WHERE:

Los Angeles courtroom

Malibu mansion, referred to as the Ando house

WHEN:

Testimony occurred on March 6, 2026.

Jury selection began on February 27, 2026.

Ye purchased the Ando house for $57 million in 2021.

Ye sold the Ando house for $21 million in September 2024.

Ye's full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal was published on January 26, 2026.

Ye's deposition testimony was given in August 2025.

WHY:

Saxon claims he was not paid for his work and alleges retaliation after raising security concerns.

Ye's defense claims Saxon misrepresented his qualifications and was not a licensed contractor.

HOW:

Ye's testimony included simple “yes” and “no” answers, often with his eyes closed or appearing drowsy.

Ye requested to be addressed simply as “Ye” during the testimony.

The trial is part of a wave of civil complaints filed by former employees and collaborators against Ye.

QUOTES:

Ye stated, “It’s just Ye. No ‘mister.’”

Ron Zambrano asked, “Is he asleep?” during Ye's testimony.

Zambrano described Saxon as “intensely loyal, intensely hard-working” during opening statements.

In a Los Angeles courtroom on March 6, Kanye West, known as Ye, testified in a trial concerning his treatment of contractor Tony Saxon, who claims he is owed $1 million in unpaid wages and expenses. During the proceedings, Ye often responded with “I don’t recall” and appeared drowsy, prompting attorney Ron Zambrano to question if he was asleep, while Saxon alleges he suffered injuries while working on the Ando house, which Ye sold for $21 million in September 2024. Ye's defense argues that Saxon misrepresented his qualifications and was not a licensed contractor, as the trial continues amid a wave of civil complaints against Ye from former employees and collaborators.