Ye Faces New Legal Battle
Ye Faces New Legal Battle: Former Security Guard Sues for Nearly $900,000 in Unpaid Wages
LOS ANGELES — The legal woes for the artist formerly known as Kanye West continue to mount as a former security guard has filed a lawsuit seeking nearly $900,000 in unpaid wages and damages. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that Ye failed to pay for months of around-the-clock protection services provided during a particularly turbulent period in the rapper's career.
The plaintiff, identified in court documents as Benjamin Deshon Enlow, claims he was hired to provide personal security for Ye and his family between 2021 and 2023. Enlow alleges that despite working grueling 14-hour shifts and being on call 24/7, he was frequently bypassed during payroll cycles and was ultimately terminated when he demanded his back pay.
The “Phantom” Payroll
According to the lawsuit, Enlow was promised a competitive hourly rate and overtime, but he claims that payments became "sporadic and then non-existent" as Ye’s business ventures faced public scrutiny. The $900,000 figure reportedly includes base salary, unpaid overtime, interest, and "waiting time penalties" under California labor law.
“My client wasn't just a guard; he was a constant presence in Ye’s life during some of his highest-stress moments,” Enlow’s attorney, Ronald Zambrano, stated. “To provide that level of loyalty and then be treated as an unpaid volunteer is not just illegal—it’s a betrayal of the working people who keep Ye safe.”
A Pattern of Payroll Disputes
The security guard’s lawsuit is the latest in a string of successful and pending claims against the "Bully" rapper regarding his employment practices. Just last month, on 11th March 2026, a judge ordered Ye to pay $140,000 to former project manager Tony Saxon for unpaid wages related to the renovation of his now-infamous Malibu estate.
Notable Ye Employment Lawsuits (2024–2026)
| Plaintiff | Role | Claim Amount | Current Status |
| Tony Saxon | Project Manager | ~$1 Million | Ordered to pay $140,000 (March 2026) |
| Lauren Pisciotta | Personal Assistant | Unspecified | Ongoing Litigation |
| Trevor Phillips | Donda Academy Staff | Unspecified | Ongoing Litigation |
| Benjamin Enlow | Security Guard | ~$900,000 | Newly Filed (April 2026) |
Allegations of Hostile Conditions
Similar to the Saxon case, Enlow’s filing hints at a chaotic work environment. The complaint alleges that security staff were often forced to pay for their own travel and meals while accompanying the rapper on international trips, with the promise of reimbursement that never arrived. Enlow also claims he was subjected to "unreasonable demands," including being asked to conduct "unauthorized surveillance" on individuals Ye perceived as threats.
Ye’s Defense: The “Independent Contractor” Argument
Legal representatives for Ye have yet to release a formal statement regarding the Enlow filing. However, in previous wage disputes, Ye’s team has argued that many of these staffers were independent contractors rather than employees, a distinction that would significantly limit his liability for overtime and benefits.
This defense was recently tested in the Saxon trial, where the judge ultimately ruled that the level of control Ye exerted over his staff’s daily lives necessitated an employer-employee relationship.
What’s Next for the Case?
As Ye prepares for his upcoming global tour and the release of his new studio album, Bully, the $900,000 lawsuit adds another layer of financial pressure. A preliminary hearing for Enlow’s case is expected to be set for late June 2026.
Legal experts suggest that given the recent $140,000 judgment in favor of Saxon, Ye’s legal team may be more inclined to settle with Enlow out of court to avoid another public trial where the rapper’s management style is put under a microscope.
