Courtroom attention turned toward the ongoing dispute surrounding a gutted $57 million Malibu mansion once owned by Kanye West, now known as Ye.

The trial centers on a claim brought by former project manager Tony Saxon over unpaid wages and working conditions. Yet as testimony unfolded in Los Angeles, an unexpected courtroom moment quickly became the most talked-about development.

During testimony in the Malibu mansion lawsuit, Kanye West appeared to doze off on the witness stand.

He "repeatedly yawned, closed his eyes for long stretches, and at times seemed to catch his head falling forward as if dozing while seated on the witness stand," according to Rolling Stone.

The moment drew visible reactions from people watching the proceedings inside the courtroom.

The trial revolves around claims from Tony Saxon, who says he is owed more than $1 million for work performed during renovations of West’s Malibu property.

While questioned by Saxon’s attorney, West frequently answered with short responses, often saying “I do not recall,” offering little detail about the events surrounding the project and its abrupt end.

While the courtroom watched Ye struggle to recall details and fight off sleep, the real battle quietly shifted toward a decisive question.

Employee status dispute drives Malibu mansion lawsuit for Kanye West

Recent courtroom developments suggest the case could hinge on whether Tony Saxon was a legitimate employee or simply an independent contractor.

Attorneys for Kanye West argue Saxon lacked a contractor’s license, which under California law could weaken his claim for more than $1 million in wages tied to the Malibu renovation project.

However, Saxon’s team believes the evidence may favor him if jurors accept his claims about dangerous instructions and long work hours. They point to text messages and testimony suggesting West treated Saxon like a full-time worker rather than a short-term contractor.

Ultimately, even if West decides to sleep or not in the courtroom, the jury’s decision will depend on credibility, documentation, and whether Saxon’s employment status is proven.

What are your thoughts on Kanye West’s unusual testimony moment during the Malibu mansion trial? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Shraddha Priyadarshi

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui