Kanye “Ye” West is facing a new lawsuit from a former employee who accuses him of racial discrimination and claims he was fired due to his hairstyle, according to court documents filed in Los Angeles on Friday.
Benjamin Deshon Pravo, who worked as a security guard at Ye’s Donda Academy, alleges in the complaint obtained by Page Six that he endured emotional distress under West’s leadership, citing a hostile work environment and mistreatment.
Pravo began working at Donda Academy in August 2021 and claims that Ye displayed favoritism towards white employees over Black ones.
The lawsuit alleges that West frequently yelled at and criticized Black employees, while treating white staff differently.
The complaint recounts an incident where West allegedly threatened to fire Pravo if he did not cut his dreadlocks, which Pravo refused to do because of his Muslim faith. Consequently, he claims he was fired for maintaining his religious beliefs.
The lawsuit also mentions disparities in pay, with allegations that white staffers were paid $5 more than Black staffers, contributing to claims of discriminatory practices within the institution.
Pravo further claims that West banned books at Donda Academy that highlighted Black history and expressed negative views about prominent Black leaders.
This lawsuit follows previous concerns raised by other former employees, including Cecilia Hailey, who filed a lawsuit in April 2023 alleging that West wanted to ban Black history books.
Another former employee, Trevor Philips, recently filed a lawsuit with similar concerns about discriminatory behavior and inappropriate actions by West.
Pravo’s lawsuit seeks damages for discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, labor code violations, and other claims.
