New Lawsuit Accuses Kanye West Of Racism Toward Black Employees, Praising Hitler As ‘Innovator’

Rapper Kanye West faces a new lawsuit filed in California, which alleges that he repeatedly subjected black employees to verbal abuse and made problematic statements wherein he praised Adolf Hitler as an “innovator.”

The lawsuit, filed by former employee Trevor Phillips, alleges West engaged in severe discrimination, harassment and retaliation. Phillips, an African American who worked for two of West’s ventures for nearly a year, claims that the rapper would frequently berate black individuals but never treated white employees in the same manner.

Phillips was employed by Yeezy, West’s clothing brand, in November 2022 and worked at the Donda Academy, a school founded by West near Los Angeles. Phillips witnessed West make derogatory statements about Jewish people, which included claims that they were persecuting him and that they were stealing his money.

The suit further alleges that West praised Hitler while at a dinner in an upscale restaurant in Los Angeles and said, “Hitler was an innovator. He invented so many things. He’s the reason we have cars.” Hitler is not credited with the invention of the automobile.

Additionally, Phillips claims that West instructed two children at the Donda Academy to shave their heads and threatened to confine them in cages. The lawsuit also states that West declared that no staff members could be overweight, or he would terminate their employment.

This is not the first time West has faced backlash for making antisemitic remarks, and clothing giants GAP and Adidas previously severed ties with him due to his offensive comments.

Phillips, who ceased working for West’s ventures in August 2023, seeks $35,000 in compensation through the lawsuit. His attorney, Carney R. Shegerian, emphasized that the lawsuit aims to address the injustices his client endured and to send a broader message about the unacceptability of discrimination and antisemitism.

West, who separated from celebrity entrepreneur Kim Kardashian in 2022 after a decade-long relationship, publicly apologized to the Jewish community last year for his past antisemitic outbursts.