A lawsuit has been filed against Kanye West, also known as Ye, by a former employee, Trevor Phillips, alleging harassment, discrimination, and retaliation, among other claims. The lawsuit also names West’s Yeezy company and Donda Academy, a Los Angeles-based K-12 Christian private school founded by the rapper.
In the lawsuit, Phillips claims that West treated black staff members significantly worse than their white counterparts, describing the discrimination as severe. Allegations include instances where West allegedly screamed and berated black employees while treating white staff with more respect. Phillips, a black man, claims to have been a target of West’s disparate treatment and harassment.
The lawsuit further alleges that West made hateful remarks, including antisemitic tropes, threats towards the LGBTQ+ community, and inappropriate behavior. Phillips claims to have experienced relentless harassment and humiliation from West, which culminated in a vulgar incident in front of schoolchildren and parents, where West reportedly threatened physical violence.
Phillips was initially hired to work for West’s Yeezy fashion brand in November 2022 but later expanded his role to include working at Donda Academy. The lawsuit references several controversial incidents involving West, including wearing a “White Lives Matter” t-shirt and making antisemitic comments during a podcast episode.
According to the lawsuit, West’s discriminatory behavior extended to Donda Academy, where he allegedly preached hate speech in front of staff and students. Phillips also recounts uncomfortable interactions with West, including a meeting where the rapper praised Hitler and made derogatory remarks about gay individuals.
Phillips seeks a jury trial and a minimum of $35,000 in damages for the alleged mistreatment. West previously issued an apology to the Jewish community in December 2023 for any harm caused by his words or actions.
