Kanye West and his wife, Bianca Censori, will need to abandon their fashion statements as they prepare for their upcoming court trial.
Recently, a Los Angeles judge sternly warned Ye and his wife, Censori, that they must adhere to the courtroom dress code during their 12-day civil trial. According to Where is the Buzz, no hats, sunglasses, or revealing attire will be permitted in the courtroom.
The judge emphasised the importance of preventing any 'drama' during the proceedings. Both Ye and Censori are expected to testify in this case, which centres on a lawsuit filed by a contractor involved in the renovation of West's former Malibu mansion. The contractor alleges mistreatment and unpaid wages.
Strict Court Rules Ahead of Trial
Los Angeles County Judge Brock T. Hammond reminded lawyers that everyone involved in the trial must comply with the courtroom attire standard. Anyone who ignored these rules would not be allowed into the courtroom.
While the judge did not explicitly mention West or Censori, the warning comes amid public attention to their fashion choices. Courtroom dress codes are typically enforced to maintain respect for the judicial process.
The dress standards are intended to focus attention on the case, not on individuals' appearances.
Why the Court Case Is Happening
The lawsuit was filed by construction worker Tony Saxon.
Saxon says he was hired in September 2021 to manage renovations at West's oceanfront Malibu property, a house designed by acclaimed architect Tadao Ando. West paid £44.9 million ($57.3 million) for the home in 2021. Later, he sold it in September 2024 for £16.6 million ($21 million), a huge loss.
According to Saxon's complaint, he was promised £15,700 ($20,000) per week to oversee the project.
He says he only received one payment. Saxon claims he often worked long hours while living on site and provided round‑the‑clock security. He alleges the working conditions became more extreme, including directives to remove electricity and windows from the house.
Saxon says he warned that these plans created serious fire hazards. Ultimately, his concerns were dismissed, leading to his termination.
Saxon is now seeking unpaid wages, medical expenses, and damages for lost earnings and emotional distress. West's legal team has denied wrongdoing.
In a separate filing, West has accused Saxon and his lawyers of improperly placing a £1.4 million ($1.8 million) lien on the property during the dispute.
What Dress Code Has to Do With the Trial
Part of the judge's warning may stem from the intense media exposure surrounding West and Censori's fashion statements.
West has faced controversy over the years for his public statements and past promotional items, including T‑shirts with provocative imagery. Censori, an architectural designer and former Yeezy employee, is known for bold fashion choices. In recent public appearances, she has worn sheer bodysuits and tights that emphasise her figure — outfits that would be inappropriate in a courtroom setting.
While fashion expression is a personal choice, judges often insist on conservative dress in court to keep attention on legal arguments, not attire.
The warning aims to avoid distractions that could derail proceedings or create unnecessary spectacle, especially in a trial that is expected to attract wide public attention.
What Fans Can Expect From the Trial
If the case proceeds as planned, jury selection will commence next week in Los Angeles. The trial will likely explore the terms of the renovation, what Saxon was paid, and whether alleged directives created unsafe conditions.
West and Censori's testimonies may influence how jurors perceive the contractor's claims and West's business practices.
Security is also a concern for lawyers, who noted that Ye's presence could attract large crowds to the courthouse. However, the judge has stated that no special treatment will be given, with standard security measures in place.
