Kanye West Faces $23 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Discrimination at Donda Academy
A former employee claims he was fired after refusing to cut his dreadlocks, alleging a discriminatory work environment.
A former employee of Kanye West is suing the rapper for $23 million, alleging wrongful termination and discrimination during his time at Donda Academy. Benjamin Provo, who is Black and Muslim, claims he was instructed to cut his dreadlocks, which he considered a symbol of his cultural and religious identity, and was subsequently fired when he refused.
Provo worked as a security guard for Donda Academy for three years, starting in April 2022. According to his lawsuit, West and his team demanded he shave his head, stating they disliked his hair. West's legal team has denied all of Provo's claims.
Provo's legal filing cites testimony from Milo Yiannopoulos, West's former chief of staff, who allegedly stated that the company was not suitable for individuals with "thin skin" regarding racially charged remarks. Yiannopoulos reportedly also said that employees working at Yeezy between 2023 and 2024 must accept West's provocative discussions about religion and that Yeezy did not support a "woke" code of conduct for acceptable speech.
Allegations of Unprotected Workplace
According to Provo, Donda Academy and Yeezy LLC lacked a human resources department or policies designed to protect employees from discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. He further stated that no training on these subjects was provided.
The lawsuit also details an alleged directive from West around mid-2023 for staff associated with Donda Academy to discard books by prominent Black figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Provo claims West stated this was to prevent "indoctrination that creates the group think mindset" and that he, as a Christian, was "very heavy into pushing that agenda."
Provo asserts that claims denying his direct employment by West and his organizations are false, citing his hiring by Donda Academy Inc., Yeezy LLC, and West himself. His duties reportedly included security for West, his Yeezy business, and his Sunday Service events.
The trial for the case is scheduled to begin on October 12.