Why is Ye, fka Kanye West, being called to testify in Gap’s $800k real estate lawsuit? Reason explained

Kanye West, also known as Ye, is making headlines after he was asked to be subpoenaed to testify in Gap’s $800,000 real estate lawsuit. What had begun as a partnership between West and The Gap had quickly fallen apart in 2022 after Kanye had publicly trashed the company and made antisemitic remarks, as per the US Magazine.

In 2020, Gap and West teamed up for a collaboration and leased a building in Los Angeles. Now, the landlord of the building, Art City Centre, is suing Gap and demanding $800,000 to be paid for the unapproved modifications done to the building.

However, Gap denied the allegations and counter-sued West and his brand, Yeezy, for $2 million.

More about Kanye West's involvement in the real estate lawsuit

In 2022, West and The Gap, a multinational clothing and accessories retailer, teamed up for a project for which they leased a building in Downtown Los Angeles. According to the documents, the spot was leased for $104,666.67 per month and $8,333 per month for parking costs.

Now, the landlord of the building, Art City Centre, has filed a lawsuit against The Gap. In the lawsuit, they are claiming that several significant and unapproved modifications were made to the building. Since the changes were made without approval, they violated the terms of the lease, and hence, they are demanding $800,000 for repairs and losses.

In response, The Gap has denied all the allegations and countersued West and his brand, Yeezy. The company argues that it was West who made the changes without any consultation. They are also arguing that the company had a provision that Kanye would be responsible for any claims brought by the acts of his company, Yeezy, or its employees.

Gap has countersued West for $2 million in damages, as per The Sun. The countersuit also says:

''The performance of the work not only breached the Strategic Agreement, but the manner of preparing for and performing the work caused the need for the repairs and restoration alleged in the complaint.''

The suit further reads:

''By making and not repairing or restoring the foregoing alterations of the Premises that [West] made without Gap’s participation or approval, [West] breached the Strategic Agreement and directly and proximately caused Gap to incur expenses to repair and restore the premises.''

Kanye has, however, denied all the allegations, and this is what his lawyer has to say:

''Gap’s claims fail because the June 25, 2020, Strategic Agreement between Gap and Yeezy Supply (Strategic Agreement”) is invalid or voidable.''

He added:

''Many of the modifications complained of were in fact beneficial to the Premises and all were carried out for the benefit of the Strategic Agreement with Gap. Gap must have anticipated that modifications such as were made to the premises are typical for this type of business.''

As per reports, Gap made a settlement with Kanye last month and has dropped the countersuit, as per InTouch Weekly. The trial is expected to start this week. It will involve only the Art City Centre and The Gap. West will only be attending the trial, as he may be called as a witness.

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