A former employee of Kanye West, Benjamin Deshon Provo, has filed a lawsuit against the rapper, alleging racist behaviour and racial discrimination.
The lawsuit, initiated on April 26 in Los Angeles, alleges that West engaged in verbal abuse and discriminatory practices against black employees, treating them less favourably than their non-black counterparts.
Provo, who initially worked on West’s security team before taking on roles in other ventures associated with the rapper, contends that he was fired for refusing to comply with an order to cut his dreadlocks—an action he viewed as unnecessary for his role and an infringement on his rights.
The complaint details instances of alleged disparities in how West treated staff members based on their race, including claims of unequal pay for black employees without justification. The lawsuit states, “Kanye and members of his management team subjected Provo and other black employees to less favourable treatment than their white counterparts.”
Provo is pursuing damages for discrimination, retaliation, creating a hostile work environment, and violations of labour laws. He reports being overloaded with extra responsibilities due to staffing shortages and assigned tasks not included in his official job description.
The lawsuit also highlights West’s sudden and extreme directives, including a mandate for all employees to shave their heads. Provo refused to comply with this order, stating that his dreadlocks were an expression of his Muslim faith. Despite his objections, he alleges that his refusal led to his termination, potentially setting the stage for a wrongful dismissal claim in addition to the accusations of racism.
Various U.S. media outlets, including People magazine, have reported on the accusations, highlighting the serious nature of the allegations against West.
