Los Angeles – Bianca Censori, wife of musician Ye (formerly known as Kanye West), appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Thursday to provide testimony regarding the controversial renovation of a $57 million Malibu mansion designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The case centers around allegations of unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions brought forth by Tony Saxon, a handyman who worked on the property in late 2021.
Censori, 31, presented a stark contrast to her often provocative public style, appearing in court wearing a conservative black satin skirt and cardigan, her hair neatly pulled back. She answered questions with concise responses, and when asked if Ye had expressed a desire to build an “off-the-grid bunker,” she clarified that the term was used in reference to aesthetic concepts, stating, “This was all concepts. The idea that it changed is not necessarily correct. It was always going to be a residence.”
The testimony challenges claims made by Saxon and another witness, Jeromy Holding, who allege that Ye’s plans for the Malibu property were in constant flux. They previously testified that Ye sought the complete removal of plumbing, wiring, and access to city utilities. Holding further detailed a series of evolving plans, including proposals for the home to function as a private school extension, a bomb shelter, a monastery, a recording studio, and a children’s playground featuring slides and ramps.
Censori, who has an architectural background, has largely remained silent publicly, expressing herself through performance art. She was called to testify after Saxon, a 35-year-old musician and handyman, filed a lawsuit in 2023 alleging he was injured while working on the property and subsequently fired for raising safety concerns. Saxon claims he was not provided workers’ compensation insurance and is seeking unpaid wages, as well as damages for medical expenses, lost earnings, and emotional distress.
Shifting Plans and Safety Concerns
Saxon testified that Censori was involved in the project as an architectural consultant while Ye was still married to Kim Kardashian. He described regular text message exchanges with Censori, seeking her advice on dealing with Ye and discussing the installation of slides. He too alleged that Censori was present during instances where Ye reportedly reprimanded him for not completing demolition work quickly enough and for objecting to the leverage of fuel-powered generators indoors, despite the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
When questioned about other designers Saxon brought onto the project, Censori stated she recalled seeing them on a Zoom call, potentially related to a broader “closed-loop city” concept Ye was exploring. She explained, “Anybody who would be working on anything architectural would be working on that also.” Censori also confirmed she holds power of attorney for her husband, allowing her to sign documents on his behalf.
In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Censori offered a rare glimpse into her perspective on the renovation, stating, “The thing about destruction is it gives life to something else.” She described the state of the mansion as “quote, unquote ‘destroyed,’ bats were living inside of it, and the sea salt had taken over the steel that was in the house and was rusting.”
Public Image and Personal Reflections
Censori also addressed her often-discussed public persona and unconventional fashion choices, including a transparent dress worn at the 2025 Grammys, characterizing them as a form of living art. “I wouldn’t be doing something I didn’t wish to do,” she told the magazine, adding that her outfits are a collaborative effort with Ye. “It was like a collaboration. It was never ‘I was being told to do something.’ If you were married to Gianni Versace, wouldn’t he give you a dress or something?”
The Vanity Fair interview also touched upon challenging periods in her relationship with Ye, during which she considered leaving. Censori revealed she sought inpatient treatment while Ye entered rehab and began medication. “All I can do is always just be there and help,” she said, describing the past year as “like doing CPR for months.”
Handyman’s Testimony Details Contentious Work Environment
Jeromy Holding, the other handyman involved in the project, testified that he nearly faced termination during his first week after mistakenly identifying Kardashian as Censori. This led to an argument between Kardashian and Ye, resulting in Kardashian leaving the property with their children. Holding said Ye then confronted him, demanding, “One of the most famous women in the world, and you call her by another woman’s name? What say you?” Holding continued working on the project, sometimes communicating directly with Ye.
Holding testified that Ye and Censori married approximately one month after Ye’s divorce from Kardashian was finalized. Ye’s legal team argues that Saxon was adequately compensated – receiving $240,000 for less than two months of work – and is now attempting to defraud Ye by claiming employee status rather than that of an independent contractor. Ye is expected to testify before the case is presented to the 12-member jury, which requires the agreement of at least nine jurors to reach a verdict.
The trial continues, with the outcome potentially setting precedents for contractor disputes and worker safety regulations in high-profile construction projects. The next step in the legal proceedings is Ye’s scheduled testimony, which is anticipated to provide further insight into his vision for the Malibu property and the circumstances surrounding the renovation work.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
