Kanye West sued by former security guard for wrongful termination and discrimination against black employees

In a recent development, Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is facing serious allegations from a former security guard, Benjamin Deshon Provo. Provo, who worked as security for West at both his private school Donda Academy and at a warehouse for his Yeezy brand clothing, has accused the artist of subjecting Black employees to discriminatory treatment.

The lawsuit, filed by Provo, alleges that West frequently screamed at and berated Black employees, and ultimately fired Provo for refusing to cut his dreadlocks. This is the latest in a series of complaints against West.

Earlier this month, another employee filed a similar complaint claiming discrimination and harassment while working for West at Donda Academy and Yeezy.

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The recent complaint, filed on April 26 in Los Angeles, details Provo's employment history with West. He began working for the rapper in August 2021 and spent six months at Donda Academy before it relocated. Provo then performed security services at West's Sunday Service events and at his Yeezy warehouse.

According to the complaint, Provo was asked to place himself and paparazzi "in harm’s way" and was instructed to dispose of books related to Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and other prominent figures in the Black community.

Provo also alleges that he was paid less than non-Black employees for no discernible reason and that West was always abrupt, abrasive, and demeaning towards him and his Black counterparts. When Provo complained about the pay disparity, he was allegedly told by his manager John Hicks not to bring up money to West.

The complaint further claims that in April 2023, West demanded that Provo and others shave their heads, despite Provo wearing his hair in dreadlocks as an expression of his Muslim faith. When Provo refused, he was reportedly told by his manager that West said, "Tell the one with the dreads to shave his head or he is fired." Provo's employment was then terminated.

Provo is seeking damages for alleged discrimination, retaliation, hostile work environment, labour code violations, and attorney fees, among other claims. He is also seeking injunctions against all defendants, prohibiting them from owning and operating educational schools for minors in California.

This lawsuit adds to the legal troubles West is facing currently, including a suit filed by former employee Trevor Phillips earlier this month. Phillips alleged that West spewed hateful, antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric within earshot of students and that he once told students he would builda jail at the school where they could be locked in cages.