Kanye West is being sued by a former employee for creating a hostile work environment with discriminatory and antisemitic behavior, and likening himself to Adolf Hitler, among other things.
The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by Trevor Phillips, who worked for both Donda Academy – Ye’s private Christian school in Ventura County, California – and West’s Yeezy fashion brand from November 2022 to August 2023. According to the lawsuit, Phillips was initially hired to assist with “projects related to growing cotton” and other plants in an effort to make Yeezy “self-sustainable,” before moving onto Donda Academy.
Kanye West Reportedly Made Antisemitic Remarks At Donda Academy
The lawsuit, obtained by the LA Times, claims that both Phillips' daughter and younger brother attended the Donda Academy. According to The New York Times, the lawsuit claims that Phillips witnessed the "Praise God" rapper make antisemitic remarks in front of other employees at the school, including "the Jews are out to get me," and "the Jews are stealing all my money."
"Fearing for their jobs and also to de-escalate Kanye's absurdities (so that the two present school children did not hear) the school staff did their best to ignore him," the suit reads. West reportedly told Phillips after Adidas cut ties with him following his antisemitic remarks: "The Jews are working with Adidas to freeze up my money to try and make me broke!"
The lawsuit also mentions the rapper – who shares children North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm with ex-wife Kim Kardashian – threatening two Donda Academy students, and saying he "wanted them to shave their heads and that he intended to put a jail at the school... and that they could be locked in cages." "The staff quickly distracted the children and escorted them out of the room," the suit added.
Phillips also mentioned having an uncomfortable three-hour meeting with West, in which he made homophobic comments and allegedly said: "Gay people are not true Christians." Other things he allegedly said were: "Hitler was great. Hitler was an innovator! He invented so many things – he's the reason we have cars!" He also allegedly made homophobic and antisemitic threats such as: "I am going for the gays! First the Jews, then the gays!"
Phillips Details 'Severe' Discrimination
According to CNN, Phillips' lawsuit claims there was "severe" discrimination, and West allegedly "treated the black staff considerably worse than white employees."
"Even when class was in session, Kanye would scream and berate black employees, while never even as much raising his tone at the white staff," the lawsuit reportedly read. "Often, Kanye targeted Phillips – a black man – not just with this disparate and harassing behavior, but complete and utter disdain."
"Already at a disadvantage because of his skin color, once Phillips pushed back against Kanye's bigotry and instructions to violate the law, he became an even bigger target," the lawsuit continued, as per CNN. "In return, Kanye responded mercilessly, with incessant harassment, humiliation, and attempts to both mentally control, and destroy, Phillips. Kanye's ill-will towards the plaintiff ultimately culminated in a vulgar lashing in front of schoolchildren and their parents. Kanye even threatened Phillips with physical violence."
Phillips Is Seeking $35,000 In Damages
According to Business Insider, Phillips is seeking $35,000 in damages and an injunction to prohibit West from owning and operating any kind of school for children under 18 years of age in the state of California.
Carney R. Shegerian, whose law firm is representing Phillips, said: "By filing this lawsuit, we hope our injured clients' rights are vindicated, and that the famous artist Mr. West understands that his messages – which we alleged preach discrimination, antisemitism, and Hitler-love – have no place in the world."
Internet Reactions
"Ye's mother, if she were still around, would slap the [expletive] out of what he's become," wrote one Reddit user, in the comments section of a post about the lawsuit.
"No wonder he supports Hitler," commented another, as someone else said: "Reminds me of how the Heaven's Gate leader had his cult members' heads shaved LOL." "Wtf he is too far gone for redemption," noted another user.
"Can someone please explain quickly what the Donda Academy is?" asked one curious Reddit user. "A religious, cult school for children he founded. It was in a warehouse w no windows," answered one fan, while another replied, "Oh they had windows, there was just no glass in them…"
