Kanye West is facing a renewed legal challenge from former Donda Academy security guard Benjamin Provo, who is seeking up to $23 million in damages over allegations of discrimination and wrongful termination. According to TMZ, Provo claims he was pressured to cut his dreadlocks while working at the school in 2022 and was ultimately dismissed after refusing.
Provo, who is Black and wore dreadlocks as part of his Muslim faith, alleges that West and members of his management team treated Black employees less favorably than white workers. His lawsuit also claims West ordered employees and students to shave their heads and removed books connected to prominent Black leaders.
The case has already produced testimony from former West chief of staff Milo Yiannopoulos. According to TMZ, Yiannopoulos said, “If you have really thin skin about racially charged remarks … this really is not the company for you.” He also claimed employees had to accept West’s provocative approach to religion.
West has denied the allegations and argues that Provo was employed through a third-party company rather than directly by him. The case remains pending, with trial proceedings expected to continue in Los Angeles.