Kanye West sues tour insurers for $10M

Kanye West has filed a $10 million lawsuit after his insurers refused to pay up when he canceled his “Saint Pablo” Tour due to a mental breakdown — claiming they are citing his marijuana use as an excuse.

West was hospitalized at the UCLA Neuropsychiatric Hospital Center in November 2016 and was forced to cancel his remaining 21 tour dates.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, West is suing syndicates of insurer Lloyd’s of London, alleging that they are stalling on paying claims related to his tour eight months after he filed a claim.

The suit, filed Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, says: “Nor have they provided anything approaching a coherent explanation about why they have not paid, or any indication if they will ever pay . . . implying that Kanye’s use of marijuana may provide them with a basis to deny the claim and retain the hundreds of thousands of dollars in insurance premiums paid.”

After he was hospitalized at UCLA, the insurance companies got sworn testimony from West’s doctor, but insisted that West undergo an independent medical evaluation — plus he and 11 members of his team had to undergo examinations under oath.

West’s lawsuit alleges breach of contract, breach of good faith and fair dealing.

His lawyer Howard King wrote: “Performing artists who pay handsomely to insurance companies . . . should take note . . . Lloyd’s companies enjoy collecting bounteous premiums; they don’t enjoy paying claims, no matter how legitimate.”

King continued, “The artists think that they’re buying peace of mind. The insurers know they’re just selling a ticket to the courthouse.”