Kanye West has been legally compelled to provide testimony in a lawsuit concerning his private school, Donda Academy.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, a Los Angeles judge has given West 30 days to appear in person for a deposition. The ruling comes after repeated efforts by the plaintiff to secure the rapper’s participation.
The lawsuit, filed in April 2024 by Trevor Phillips, a former employee of Donda Academy, accuses West of creating a hostile and discriminatory work environment.
Phillips claims he experienced harassment while employed at the school. In his filing, he wrote that West “spew forth hate, profess antisemitic tropes and lies, threaten the LGBTQ+ community, and even on one occasion, almost sexually stimulate himself.”
Phillips also referenced West’s controversial behavior on social media as evidence of a broader pattern of misconduct.
He described what he called unequal treatment based on race. “Even when class was in session, Kanye would scream and berate black employees, while never even as much raising his tone at the white staff,” Phillips stated. He added, “Often, Kanye targeted Phillips – a black man – not just with this disparate and harassing behavior, but complete and utter disdain.”
The latest court filings highlight that Phillips has repeatedly attempted to schedule a deposition with West without success. There is currently no confirmed date for when the rapper will appear.
Kanye West’s testimony will not only address claims of harassment and discrimination but could also shape public perception of the school and the rapper himself.
How he responds in court may have lasting effects on both the legal outcome and his reputation.
