LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Ye, the rapper formerly known as Kanye West, gave short answers and at times appeared to doze off while testifying Friday in a trial over the renovation of his former $57 million Malibu mansion.
Ye is being sued by handyman Tony Saxon, who says the rapper hired him as a project manager to work on the multimillion-dollar property.
Saxon claims he was only paid once and was fired after seven weeks. He’s now suing for more than $1 million for alleged unpaid wages, unsafe working conditions and wrongful termination.
Saxon also alleges Ye’s plans for the property were constantly changing and claims he was severely injured before being fired. He said he even slept in the property on a sleeping bag.
Ye arrived at the downtown Los Angeles courthouse dressed in all black clothing.
For hours, he was asked numerous questions to establish the type of professional and financial relationship he had with Saxon. Ye’s answers were brief.
He said he had very vague memory of hiring Saxon and he didn’t know who officially hired him.
While on the stand, Ye looked disinterested and appeared to be falling asleep at times. When asked if he needed a break, he answered no.
Ye was the final witness in the case. His wife, Bianca Censori, took the stand Thursday and said she worked on the project before Saxon came onboard. She added she only dealt with Saxon for a short time.
Both sides have now rested their case. Closing arguments are scheduled Monday.
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