Kanye West is facing a major legal challenge after a judge ruled that he must testify under oath in a lawsuit alleging discrimination and harassment. The ruling comes as speculation grows about the state of his marriage to Bianca Censori, adding more controversy to the rapper’s already turbulent year.
Kanye West Faces Court Order Over Discrimination Allegations
On February 11, a Los Angeles judge ordered Kanye West, 47, to appear in person for a deposition related to a lawsuit filed by former Donda Academy security guard Benjamin Deshon Provo. Court documents reveal that Provo has accused West of discrimination, wrongful termination, and unfair treatment of Black employees.
Provo’s legal team has been pushing for months to depose West, claiming the rapper repeatedly failed to provide a proper deposition date. The court also imposed sanctions of $500 against West, which he must pay within 30 days.
West’s new attorney, Eduardo Martorell, initially opposed the request but later suggested April 29 as a deposition date. However, Provo’s legal team argued that West’s side never finalized the agreement, prompting the judge to step in and mandate an in-person appearance.
Provo’s lawsuit alleges that West created a hostile work environment, particularly for Black employees. The former employee claims that West banned books related to Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and other Black leaders from Donda Academy. According to the complaint, West frequently made negative remarks about Black figures who fought for civil rights.
Allegations of Discrimination and Unfair Treatment
Provo, who worked closely with West at Donda Academy and Sunday Service, stated in court filings that he witnessed stark differences in how West treated Black employees compared to non-Black staff. He claims West was polite and respectful to white employees but was “abrupt, abrasive, and demeaning” toward Black workers.
The lawsuit also alleges that West paid Black employees less than their white counterparts for similar roles. Additionally, Provo said he faced discrimination due to his dreadlocks, which he wore for religious reasons. In April 2023, West allegedly pressured Provo and others to shave their heads, a demand Provo refused. Soon after, he was reportedly fired.
West and his legal team have denied all allegations. In response to the lawsuit, West’s attorneys argued that any actions taken by the rapper or his company were in “the good-faith exercise of a legitimate business purpose.”
Kanye West Battles Legal Trouble and Divorce Rumors
The legal battle comes at a time when West is also making headlines for personal reasons. Reports surfaced earlier this week claiming he had split from Bianca Censori and had already met with divorce attorneys. However, West’s representative, Milo Yiannopoulos, dismissed the reports as false.
According to Yiannopoulos, West and Censori were in Los Angeles and planned to spend Valentine’s Day together. He criticized the media for repeatedly reporting on their alleged separation, suggesting that rumors about the couple’s breakup have been circulating for months without evidence.
Despite the denial, speculation about West’s marriage continues to grow. The rapper has had a history of public relationship struggles, and his unpredictable behavior often fuels speculation about his personal life.
What’s Next for Kanye West?
With the court ordering West to testify by April 29, all eyes will be on how he handles the deposition. Given his history of erratic behavior in legal proceedings—including wearing a Halloween mask during a previous deposition—there is concern that he might attempt to delay or disrupt the process.
Meanwhile, the lawsuit could have significant financial and reputational consequences for West. If the court finds merit in Provo’s claims, the rapper could face further penalties, including potential damages for wrongful termination and discrimination.
As West navigates legal battles and personal controversies, his ability to manage these challenges could have lasting implications for his career and public image. Whether he chooses to fight the lawsuit head-on or seek a settlement remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Kanye West’s legal troubles are far from over.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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