In a lawsuit that paints a troubling picture of life at Donda Academy, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, now Ye, is accused of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories, engaging in discriminatory behavior, and expressing a desire to shave students' heads and confine them in cages. The allegations were brought forward by Trevor Phillips, a former employee of the rapper's private Christian school and his fashion brand, Yeezy.
Phillips alleges that Ye engaged in "severe discrimination, harassment, and retaliation," during his tenure at the rapper's enterprises. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, details instances where Ye allegedly shared antisemitic conspiracy theories in front of staff and students, and expressed a desire to "shave" the heads of some children and his intention to "put a jail at the school."
The suit also accuses Ye of making derogatory remarks about Jews, including calling them "miserly" and referring to Adolf Hitler as "an innovator." He also allegedly claimed the Holocaust was "fake."
Phillips' lawsuit further alleges that Ye engaged in "incessant inappropriate conduct," including sexual harassment. The former employee also claims that Ye threatened to attack the LGBTQ community, and that he said Bill Gates "controls" gay people. "Yeah I’m going for the gays! FIRST the Jews, THEN the gays!" Ye allegedly proclaimed.
The lawsuit also accuses Ye of discriminatory behavior towards his Black employees, alleging that he treated them "palpably worse than white employees.” In one instance, he allegedly ordered a black campus security guard to “shave his dreads” or lose his job. The guard reportedly chose to resign.
Phillips is seeking more than $35,000 in damages and an injunction preventing Ye from starting any kind of school for children under the age of 18 in California. He also alleges wrongful termination, claiming that Ye fired him during a Sunday service in May 2023.
"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," Phillips' lawyer, Carney R. Shegerian, said in a statement.
This is not the first time Ye has been accused of antisemitism. A New York Times report last year alleged that the rapper drew a swastika during a meeting with Adidas employees to express his dissatisfaction with their designs. The report also claimed that Ye consistently exhibited antisemitic remarks in meetings and interactions with Adidas employees over a 10-year period.
In response to these allegations, Ye issued an apology to the Jewish community in Hebrew, stating, "I sincerely apologize to the Jewish community for any 'unintended outburst.' I did not intend to hurt or demean, and I deeply regret any pain I may have caused." However, the timing of the apology, which came shortly before the release of his album "Vultures 1," raised questions about his sincerity.
Representatives for Ye and attorneys for Donda Academy have not yet responded to requests for comment.
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