November 7th 2024.
Kanye West, the popular musician, has reportedly failed to attend a deposition for a discrimination lawsuit filed against him in Los Angeles. The lawsuit was brought forth by Benjamin Deshon Provo, a former security guard employed by West at his Donda Academy school and Yeezy clothing warehouse.
Provo alleged that West subjected Black employees to unequal treatment compared to their White counterparts. He also claimed that West would frequently yell and berate Black employees, and even fired Provo for refusing to cut his dreadlocks. In response, West argued that his actions were justified and had previously attempted to have the case dismissed.
According to new court documents, West was in Tokyo, 5,000 miles away, when the deposition was scheduled to take place on October 28, 2024. Provo's legal team is now seeking an order for West to sit for the deposition on February 11, 2025, and is also requesting sanctions against West for $1,760 to cover their expenses in litigating the motion.
The lawsuit shines a light on West's treatment of his employees and his alleged disregard for Black culture. Provo claimed that during his time working for West, he was asked to put himself in harm's way by snatching cameras from paparazzi. He also alleged that at Donda Academy, parents were required to sign a non-disclosure agreement and that West had his employees dispose of books related to prominent Black figures.
Provo also stated that he was paid less than his non-Black colleagues for no apparent reason and that West exhibited a "stark difference" in his treatment towards Black employees. When Provo raised his concerns about the pay disparity, he was told not to bring it up to West. He also saw a decrease in his paychecks, which his white colleagues did not experience.
In April 2023, West allegedly demanded that Provo and others shave their heads, despite Provo wearing dreadlocks as a practice of his Muslim faith. When Provo refused, West's line manager, John Hicks, told him that West said, "Tell the one with the dreads to shave his head or he is fired." Provo was eventually fired for not complying.
Provo is seeking damages for discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, labour code violations, and attorney fees. In his initial response, West's legal team claimed that their actions were justified. West has yet to comment on the lawsuit. If you have any information on this story, please contact the entertainment team by emailing us, calling 020 3615 2145, or visiting our Submit Stuff page. We would love to hear from you.
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