Kanye West Sued for Racial Discrimination by Former Security Guard
Kanye West is facing a lawsuit for racial discrimination from a former security guard, Benjamin Deshon Provo. The 46-year-old rapper is being accused of subjecting Black employees to “less favorable treatment than their White counterparts” during their time working together at both the Donda Academy school and a warehouse used for Yeezy clothing storage.
According to documents obtained by People magazine, Provo alleged that Kanye frequently screamed at and berated Black employees, and even fired him for refusing to cut his dreadlocks. Provo claimed that he was asked to put himself and paparazzi in harm’s way by snatching cameras from waiting photographers during Kanye’s Sunday Service events and at the Yeezy warehouse.
Additionally, Provo accused Kanye of making anyone associated with Donda dispose of books related to prominent Black figures like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. He also claimed that he was paid less than non-Black employees for no discernible reason.
Provo’s lawsuit alleges that Kanye displayed a stark difference in the way he treated Black employees compared to other staff members, and that he was always abrupt, abrasive, and demeaning towards Provo and his Black counterparts. When Provo raised concerns about the pay disparity, he allegedly saw a decrease in his paychecks and was eventually fired for refusing to shave his head as demanded by Kanye.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, labor code violations, and attorney fees. Provo is also seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction against Kanye and all defendants, prohibiting them from owning and operating any type of educational school for minor children under the age of 18 in California.