Kanye West, now known as Ye, is facing legal action from a former member of his security team, Benjamin Deshon Provo, who has filed a lawsuit accusing West of mistreating Black employees. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles and reported by People, alleges that West “frequently screamed at and berated Black employees” and terminated Provo’s employment after he refused to cut his dreadlocks.
Provo’s complaint follows a previous allegation of discrimination and harassment from another employee who worked at West’s Donda Academy school and with his Yeezy brand.
According to the lawsuit, Provo began working for West around August 2021 and spent six months at Donda Academy before the school relocated. At the new location, Provo claims he was given additional responsibilities due to staffing shortages. He also provided security services for West’s events and at his Yeezy warehouse.
The lawsuit alleges that West instructed employees to place themselves and paparazzi “in harm’s way” by confiscating cameras and required the disposal of books related to prominent figures in the Black community. Provo also claims that Black employees were paid less than non-Black employees without justification.
Additionally, Provo alleges a decrease in his paychecks and states that West demanded employees shave their heads, which Provo refused on religious grounds, leading to his termination.
Earlier this month, another former employee, Trevor Phillips, made allegations against West, including hateful and discriminatory remarks made in the presence of students at his school.
As of now, West has not publicly responded to these new allegations.
