As of April 2, rapper and designer Kanye West has been hit with a lawsuit. Here’s more details on that.
Lawsuit
Trevor Phillips has set a lawsuit into motion against West. Phillips is one of West’s former employees who worked at Donda Academy.
The lawsuit touches on a variety of issues. Such as discriminatory behavior and the promotion of harmful ideologies. Accusing West of fostering an environment that promoted racism and referred to Adolf Hitler in a positive light. The lawsuit also claims that employees were subjected to a hostile work environment and faced racial discrimination.
Toxic Work Environment
Phillips goes into detail about the toxic behaviors exhibited by Kanye. The lawsuit alleges instances of racial slurs said by West and his associates, as well as claims that employees were pressured to adopt a certain dress code reflecting a so-called “slavery mentality” and were subjected to unfair treatment based on their race.
The former employee explains that he originally began working for Kanye in November of 2022. Phillips hired on to work West’s fashion line Yeezy and minimal work in Donda Academy. During this time West had been under fire for his antisemitic statements, due to losing his brand deal with Adidas a month prior. West stating things such as “The Jews are stealing all my money,” “The Jews are out to get me,” or “Jews are working with Adidas to freeze up my money.”
Phillips details one incident where Kanye invited him and associates to the Nobu Hotel for a meeting. There, West went on another antisemitic tirade whilst praising Adolf Hitler. Then requesting the Batman movie starring Robert Patterson be put on by the hotel staff. Phillips then says that him and West were watching the film on mute, with Kanye mimicking masturbation whilst talking about orgies.
As previously stated, West would exhibit extremely discriminatory behavior towards his Black staff members versus his white staff differently. For instance, in the lawsuit it recalls an incident where West demanded one of his Black bodyguards to cut off his dreadlocks or otherwise it will result in his termination. Another form of discriminatory behavior from Kanye is his request to not hire plus-sized people.
Problems At Donda
Now the main reason as to why Kanye West has gotten hit with a lawsuit is the conduct and environment of the school. Donda Academy is a tribute to his late mother, Donda West. The school is located in Simi Valley, California and is a private institution.
Phillips’ role at the school had been to oversee the school’s community garden, growing plants for materials for the Yeezy clothing line. Kanye allegedly promised to pay Phillips a $100 an hour, but he made far less.
According to the lawsuit document, West definitely displayed very concerning behavior and ideals. One instance the rapper stated he wanted to “shave children’s heads” and build a jail within the school. Next, is Kanye accused of inappropriate commentary and displaying unsavory behavior in front of students. Stating more antisemitic comments, homophobic comments; saying that he only likes/dates white women
Humiliation
Phillips recalls multiple occasions where Kanye has publicly humiliated him in front of students, staff; even parents. There being several occasions where Kanye has threatened physical violence against Phillips. One incident occurred during a Donda “Sunday Service,” where Kanye singled out Phillips. Telling him that he was “f—-king fired” in front of 100 people. Another incident being, when West seemingly became upset about the appearance of the school’s garden. Phillips tried to explain that the state of the garden wasn’t his fault, tearfully telling West that he was grateful for the opportunity to work for him. However, the rapper was still upset and not believing Phillips. In result, West threw a “temper tantrum,” trying lift and toss the entire garden; threatening Phillips with physical violence. Failing to do so, West seemingly having a change of heart, tells Phillips that he has a second chance at life.
Phillips’ last task from West was to go check out a farm property in Fillmore, California, talk to the owner and report back him. While doing so, West texted Phillips saying “You still fired. You not on the level.”
Brought To Light
As Kanye West gets hit with a lawsuit, it definitely brings to light to concerning behaviors presented by the rapper. With the humiliation and distress that Phillips endured, it makes you wonder about other and current employees experience. As well as the well-being of those children who attend the school.
Hopefully this lawsuit sparks for more employees, students, even parents to come forward with their experiences.
Written by Saniya Fields
Sources:
Variety – Kanye West Accused of Anti-Black Racism in Lawsuit From Ex-Employee by Gene Maddus
Rolling Stone –Kanye West Wanted to ‘Cage’ Donda Students and Threatened to Punch Staffer: Lawsuit by Cheyenne Roundtree
NBC News – Ye wanted to shave Donda Academy students’ heads and lock kids in cages, ex-employee says in lawsuit by Diana Dasrath and Tim Stelloh
Forbes – Kanye West Accused Of Hitler Praising And Racist Behavior In New Lawsuit By Former Donda Academy Employee by Mary Whitfill Roeloffs
Top and featured image Courtesy of Daniele Dalledonne’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset image Courtesy of Thomas Hawk’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
