Kanye West, now known as Ye, faces legal action from his former security guard, Benjamin Deshon Pravo, who alleges racial discrimination and wrongful termination against Black employees.
Pravo filed the lawsuit on April 26, claiming that during his tenure at West’s now-defunct Donda Academy and a clothing warehouse for the Yeezy brand, he witnessed and experienced racial discrimination.
According to Pravo, West treated Black employees differently, often berating them while speaking professionally to their white counterparts.
The lawsuit also alleges that Pravo’s refusal to shave his locs led to his termination, highlighting a pattern of discriminatory behavior within West’s organization.
Pravo’s legal complaint sheds light on a troubling environment within West’s businesses. Allegations of discrimination have been further compounded by a previous lawsuit filed by another ex-employee, Trevor Phillips, who claimed that West would verbally abuse Black employees and use derogatory language.
Phillips’ lawsuit detailed instances where West allegedly made anti-Semitic and homophobic remarks within the Donda Academy, even expressing a desire to remove books related to prominent Black activists like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
In response to these allegations, Pravo is seeking damages for the hostile work environment, discrimination, and retaliation he faced.
Additionally, he is seeking an injunction to prevent West from operating any school intended for children under 18.
This legal action underscores the importance of addressing discrimination and promoting workplace equality, even within high-profile organizations like West’s.
The legal battle between Pravo and West raises questions about accountability and workplace culture within the entertainment industry.
