Full Breakdown
Former Contractor Seeks $1.2 Million in Attorney Fees from Ye Over Malibu Renovation Lawsuit
7/15/2026, 12:52:28 PM
Core Event: Fee Motion Filed
On July 10, 2024, attorneys for Anthony Saxon Netelkos filed a motion in Los Angeles Superior Court requesting $1.2 million in attorney’s fees from the rapper formerly known as Kanye West (“Ye”). The request follows a civil trial in which a jury awarded Saxon $140,000 in damages for injuries sustained while working on Ye’s Malibu mansion renovation. Saxon’s lawyers argue the case was “challenging, complex, and risky,” citing over 740 attorney hours, multiple defense counsel changes, and extensive discovery.
Background & Context
The jury’s verdict, rendered in March 2024, found Ye liable under California’s Labor Code for failing to provide workers’ compensation insurance. Saxon originally sought nearly $2 million in damages; the jury’s award was far lower. The litigation spanned roughly 35 months, involving five different defense lawyers, a two-week trial, and a contested settlement offer of $100,000 that Saxon rejected.
Official Statements & Responses
A Ye representative told Complex the damages award is “legally barred” and indicated that Ye’s own lawsuit against Saxon’s attorneys would address “far more serious misconduct.” Saxon’s counsel described the jury’s decision as a “mixed verdict” and affirmed their intent to pursue the fee motion. Attorney Neama Rahmani, of West Coast Trial Lawyers, testified that the fees are “reasonable in light of the time required, the issues presented, the risk undertaken, the hostility of the litigation, and the result obtained for [Saxon].”
Criticism & Opposition
Saxon’s attorneys criticize Ye’s litigation tactics, noting that the rapper’s team offered a $100,000 settlement shortly before trial, then demanded Saxon pay $200,000 and issue a public apology once proceedings began. They argue the settlement offers were used as bargaining chips rather than genuine resolutions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “mixed verdict,” — Saxon’s lawyers, court filing
- “In my opinion, the fees requested are reasonable in light of the time required, the issues presented, the risk undertaken, the hostility of the litigation, and the result obtained for [Saxon].” — Neama Rahmani, attorney declaration
- “2 Million In the new filing, Saxon’s attorneys highlight that the 35-month litigation involved five different defense lawyers, extensive discovery, multiple depositions, and a two-week trial, costing their firm over $300,000 out of pocket.” — Saxon’s attorneys, filing
- “The filing also criticizes the 49-year-old rapper’s litigation tactics, claiming his team offered a $100,000 settlement just before trial, only to later demand that Saxon pay $200,000 and issue a public apology once proceedings began.” — Saxon’s attorneys, filing
