Another day another lawsuit filed against Kanye West . This time his former security guard is hitting back with serious claims. Benjamin Deshon Provo, the ex guard, who began working with Ye in 2021 before being moved to his Donda Academy and Yeezy brand warehouse, has filed a lawsuit against the rapper on Friday. He accuses West of discriminating against Black employees, treating them unfairly compared to their White counterparts, and wrongfully terminating him for refusing to cut his dreadlocks.
In the suit, Provo details how he experienced pay disparities, mistreatment, and pressure to shave his head, which he wore in dreadlocks as part of his Muslim faith. Provo began pointing out the “stark difference in the way Kanye treated Plaintiff and other Black employees” compared to their ”non-Black counterparts.” He claims that not only was he paid less than non-Black employees “for no discernible reason,” but he alleged West was “always abrupt, abrasive, and demeaning of Plaintiff and his Black counterparts.”
Provo said he tried to raise these issues with the direct manager John Hicks, only to be told “Don’t bring up money to Ye. He doesn’t like to talk about money.” To make matters worse, when it came to his hair, Provo said that was another big issue. Per the complaint, “As a result of Plaintiff’s non-compliance with Kanye’s demands that his head be shaved, Hicks and Kanye began to exert pressure on Plaintiff to do the same.” The doc further states that “Kanye began to become increasingly more aggressive, demanding” by announcing “It is time for you to shave your heads. I am not messing around.” However, Hicks approached Plaintiff and stated, “Kanye said, ‘Tell the one with the dreads to shave his head or he is fired.’”
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As if that wasn’t a lot to deal with, the lawsuit details instances where Provo was allegedly asked to confront paparazzi and dispose of books related to prominent Black figures, among other discriminatory actions.
Despite raising concerns about these issues, he was met with dismissive responses and ultimately terminated for refusing to comply with West’s demands. “Plaintiff refused to shave his head, and as a result thereof, his employment was terminated,” the complaint states.
Provo is seeking damages for discrimination, retaliation, labor code violations, and more. He wants to hold West accountable for his actions and prevent him from operating educational schools for minors in California.
These allegations add to the existing lawsuit from former employee Trevor Phillips, who accused West of hateful rhetoric and mistreatment within Donda Academy.
West, has yet to respond to this latest lawsuit.
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