A former marketing specialist at Kanye West’s Yeezy brand, who has accused the rapper of antisemitism and sexual harassment, is seeking nearly $100,000 in legal fees after her lawsuit moved forward. The woman, who identifies as Jewish, filed her suit in February, alleging that West created a hostile work environment rife with verbal abuse and discrimination.
Her accusations include shocking messages from West, such as references to Nazi figures and derogatory remarks directed at her. She alleges that in a group chat, West wrote, “Welcome to the first day of working for Hitler,” and sent her texts that included phrases like “Hail Hitler” and various profanities. Furthermore, she claims that West pressured her with requests related to his Yeezy Porn venture, against her will.
Kanye West’s legal team initially attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed, arguing that the former employee’s claims infringed on his rights to artistic expression. However, a judge in Los Angeles dismissed this motion, criticizing its lack of substance and ordering West to cover the woman’s legal costs. The judge, Theresa M. Traber, stated that the arguments presented by West’s team were frivolous and appeared intended merely to delay the proceedings.
Following this ruling, the former Yeezy employee is now requesting $99,720 in attorney fees accumulated during the legal battle. A hearing to assess the fairness of this claim is scheduled for September 12. In the meantime, West’s representatives are appealing the court’s decision to proceed with the lawsuit.
The situation highlights ongoing discussions about workplace conduct, discrimination, and accountability in high-profile industries. It serves as a reminder that individuals should feel safe and respected in their work environments, and raises important questions about the responsibilities of powerful figures and organizations in preventing harassment and discrimination.