Kanye West’s former Donda employee seeks about $23M in discrimination case

Benjamin Provo cited Milo Yiannopoulos’ testimony describing Kanye West’s workplace culture and racially charged remarks at Yeezy
Kanye West disputes Benjamin Provo’s allegations, saying Provo was hired by a third-party company rather than directly by West (Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Kanye West disputes Benjamin Provo’s allegations, saying Provo was hired by a third-party company rather than directly by West (Bellocqimages/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kanye West has been facing a legal issue after an ex-employee who worked at his former school, Donda Academy, filed a discrimination lawsuit against him.

Benjamin Provo, who previously worked at the academy, has accused the rapper and the facility of treating him differently based on his appearance.

According to TMZ, the plaintiff is also demanding millions in damages.

Kanye West’s ex-staffer seeks $23 million in discrimination case

The publication, citing court documents, reported that Provo is seeking approximately $23 million in damages from Ye and his former school after alleging that he was terminated for refusing to cut off his dreadlocks.

Kanye West at Milk Studios on June 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. adidas and Kanye West announce the future of their partnership: adidas + KANYE WEST
Kanye West at Milk Studios on June 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. adidas and Kanye West announce the future of their partnership (Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for ADIDAS)

The Black man reportedly worked at the academy in 2022, and, according to him, West removed books by famous Black writers from the school.

Kanye West’s ex-employee strengthens discrimination lawsuit

In his filing, Provo has included the songwriter’s former chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos’ testimony, which read, “If you have 'really thin skin about racially charged remarks … this really is not the company for you.’”

“If you're working at Yeezy between 2023 and 2024, you must accept the provocative way Ye talked about religion,” Yiannopoulos had also reportedly added.

INDIO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: Kanye West performs Sunday Service during the 2019 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 21, 2019 in Indio, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Coachella)
Kanye West performs Sunday Service during the 2019 Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival on April 21, 2019 in Indio, California (Rich Fury/Getty Images for Coachella)

However, West has challenged Provo’s allegations, stating that the man was not hired by him directly. The 49-year-old has claimed that Provo was employed by a third-party company he used to hire employees.

Kim Kardashian awarded EUR 1 over Paris robbery case

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - JUNE 07: Kim Kardashian looks on during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on June 07, 2026 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Steven Tee/Getty Images)
Kim Kardashian looks on during the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on June 07, 2026 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco (Steven Tee/Getty Images)

This came as the ‘Heartless’ hitmaker’s former wife Kim Kardashian won a legal battle related to the infamous 2016 Paris robbery case. At the time of the incident, Kardashian and West were married and shared two of their older children, North West and Saint West.

The younger ones, Chicago West and Psalm West, were born in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The socialite was awarded €1 (approximately $1.15) by a Paris court, according to her request.

A decade ago in October, Kim was in her hotel room in the French capital when she was robbed of more than $6 million worth of jewelry, including her $4 million engagement ring.

The 45-year-old released a statement along with her longtime pal Simone Harouche, who was also staying at the same hotel, after the verdict.

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 13: Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner exit the trial at the Palais de Justice ; Kim Kardashian wears sunglasses by Alaia, a black dress with power shoulders / shoulder pads / puff shoulders and low-neck by John Galliano, a necklace by Samer Halimeh, Repossi diamond earcuffs, Brioni Raymond earrings, at the Palais de Justice, on May 13, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Edward Berthelot/GC Images)
Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner exit the trial at the Palais de Justice, Kim Kardashian wears sunglasses by Alaia, a black dress with power shoulders/shoulder pads/puff shoulders and low-neck by John Galliano, a necklace by Samer Halimeh, Repossi diamond earcuffs, Brioni Raymond earrings, at the Palais de Justice, on May 13, 2025 in Paris, France (Edward Berthelot/GC Images)

It read, “The experience was deeply traumatic, and its impact has stayed with us. Today’s decision is not about compensation, but about accountability and recognition. We are thankful to the Court and everyone who supported us throughout this process, and we hope to now move forward and continue to heal.”

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