Kanye West Sued for Allegedly Failing to Pay Security Guard at Malibu Home
Kanye West is facing a lawsuit from a former security guard, Jonathan Monroe, who claims the rapper failed to pay him for the hours he worked and fired him when he asked for his wages. The lawsuit highlights another legal challenge for West, whose career has faced turbulence following controversial comments.
According to TMZ, legal documents reveal that in August 2021, West hired Monroe to provide security at his Malibu, California home. The house was part of a renovation project that ultimately never came to fruition. West allegedly promised to pay Monroe a $30 hourly wage for his services.
Monroe claimed he worked between 36 to 50 hours per week, protecting the Grammy-winning artist during that time. However, despite putting in the hours, Monroe says he never received any payment for his work. By October 2021, after repeatedly asking for his wages, Monroe was abruptly fired from the job.
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In his lawsuit, Monroe is seeking unpaid wages, interest on the owed sum, and punitive damages, as reported by the Daily Mail. The lawsuit comes nearly three years after Monroe’s brief stint working for West. Monroe’s legal action adds to a string of controversies that have plagued West’s public and professional life, particularly since his inflammatory remarks in late 2022.
Interestingly, around the same time, West sold his Malibu mansion in July after dramatically reducing the asking price by $14 million. The home, which had initially struggled to sell, eventually went for an estimated $21 million, according to TMZ.
The lawsuit highlights ongoing financial and legal issues surrounding West as he continues to face fallout from his personal and professional decisions. Monroe’s case emphasizes the challenges the rapper is grappling with, both in business and reputation.
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Whether the lawsuit will be settled in court or through negotiation remains to be seen, but it certainly brings additional scrutiny to West’s dealings.