Kanye West is asking a court to delay an upcoming trial in a lawsuit filed by a former security guard who worked at his private school, Donda Academy.
The lawsuit was filed by Benjamin Deshon Provo in April 2024. Provo claims that West criticised him over his dreadlocks, which he wears as part of his religious practice as a Muslim. Provo worked both at Donda Academy and for West’s clothing brand, Yeezy.
The lawsuit states Provo saying he and other Black employees were treated less fairly compared to their white coworkers, and that West frequently yelled at him. Provo also claims he was eventually fired for not complying with West’s rules about his hair.
West’s legal team recently filed new court documents asking the judge to move the trial date from October to next spring.
His lawyers argue that Provo has not agreed to sit for a deposition, despite repeated requests, and say his testimony is necessary for a fair trial.
They claim West’s side has already fulfilled numerous legal requirements, including providing other witnesses and responding to written questions, while Provo’s side has not cooperated with scheduling his deposition.
In his original complaint, Provo said he felt forced to choose between his personal identity and keeping his job.
