Kanye West Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Forced Labor, Allegedly Called Workers ‘Slaves’

Kanye West is facing a lawsuit alleging labor violations and the creation of a hostile work environment for both adult and minor employees, according to court documents filed in a U.S. district court.

The lawsuit, which names West and his former chief of staff, Milo Yiannopoulos, as defendants, claims that the rapper hired a group of developers, including minors as young as 14, to create an app called “YZYVSN.” The app was reportedly intended to promote West’s music, including his albums Vultures and Vultures 2, without paying for promotion on established platforms like Tidal, Spotify and Apple Music.

Plaintiffs allege West and Yiannopoulos forced employees to work long hours without pay or adequate rest. The suit also claims that white managers used derogatory language toward foreign and minority workers, referring to some as “slaves” and “new slaves,” creating a hostile work environment based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation and national origin.

The lawsuit further alleges that West’s wife, Bianca Censori, though not named as a defendant, sent adult videos to staff members, which were accessible to minors working on the project. This occurred after West announced plans to launch an adult film business, according to the court filing.

Yiannopoulos reportedly promised the development team $120,000 upon completion of the app, contingent on their agreement to work conditions and refraining from complaints. The plaintiffs claim they finished one of the apps on May 1 and sent it to West but were not paid for their work.

The complainants seek damages for unpaid wages, overtime pay and emotional distress. The lawsuit characterizes the alleged treatment of workers as “forced labor and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.”

This lawsuit comes amid a series of controversies surrounding the rapper, who has faced criticism for antisemitic remarks and erratic behavior in recent years. The case highlights ongoing concerns about labor practices in the entertainment industry, particularly involving minors and vulnerable workers.

Yiannopoulos recently quit working for West, claiming that he had fallen under the influence of predatory individuals.