Current:Home > NewsKanye West Sued by Ex-Employee Who Says He Was Ordered to Investigate Kardashian Family -×
Kanye West Sued by Ex-Employee Who Says He Was Ordered to Investigate Kardashian Family
View
Date:2025-04-15 19:45:15
Kanye West is facing another legal battle.
This time, from an alleged former employee who is accusing the rap artist of tasking him with launching an inquiry of his ex-wife Kim Kardashian's family.
In a retaliation lawsuit filed in a Los Angeles court Oct. 10 and obtained by E! News, the plaintiff—identified as John Joe—states that while working as the rapper's "director of intelligence," his duties included "investigating the Kardashian family and supposed various criminal links Ye believed they had with criminal enterprises, including alleged sex trafficking."
E! News has reached out for comment from reps for Kanye and the Kardashian-Jenner family and has not heard back.
In the lawsuit, the plaintiff, who is identified as John Doe, states that the rap artist hired him in late 2022 and that he was made to conduct investigations, "including those involving attorneys and parties that have filed suit" against Kanye.
"Doe" alleges that in addition to being tasked to investigate the Kardashian-Jenners, the music producer also had him "hire private investigators to follow and 'tail' his current wife, Bianca Censori, when she was travelling alone to visit family in Australia, without Ms. Censori’s knowledge."
Kanye has been married to Bianca since December 2022. The two wed less than two months after he finalized his divorce from Kim, with whom he shares kids North West, 11, Saint West, 8, Chicago West, 6, and Psalm West, 5.
"Doe" also alleges in his lawsuit that this past May, he received a call from an employee of Donda Academy—a private school Kanye founded in 2021 and which closed in June, according to public records—informing him that "abuse of children had occurred at Donda and that supposedly nothing was done to correct or report the problem."
The man said he "immediately informed the remaining Yeezy leadership of the report about the Donda student(s)," and that later that day, Kanye himself called him "to yell, curse and threaten" him with "great bodily injury, including death," if he repeated the information.
"Doe" alleges that the rapper told him, "You’re f--king dead to me!" and also played a "recording of scary voices that were threatening to harm" him. He added that in the next few days and weeks, he also received threats from Kanye's associates.
"Doe" states in his lawsuit that as a result of his "lawful reports of violations of law" and "his refusal to engage in unethical activities," Kanye retaliated against him "through a campaign of threats, intimidation, and harassment," which caused him "severe emotional distress and exacerbated his PTSD" that he suffers from as a military veteran, "resulting in both emotional and financial harm."
The plaintiff adds that he is still owed wages for work done on Kanye's behalf. He is seeking punitive and other damages relating to loss of earnings and a jury trial.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (52)
Related
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- The UK and France reiterate that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine must end in failure as US aid falters
- Appeals court says Mark Meadows can’t move Georgia election case charges to federal court
- 1 person is killed after explosion and fire at a hotel in Pennsylvania’s Amish-related tourism area
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- Serbia’s ruling populists say weekend elections were fair despite international criticism, protests
- Putin hails Russia’s military performance in Ukraine and he vows to achieve Moscow’s goals
- Trump blasted for saying immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- FDA finds ‘extremely high’ lead levels in cinnamon at Ecuador plant that made tainted fruit pouches
Ranking
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Best Clutter-Free Gifts for the People Who Don't Want More Stuff Around
- I’ve Lived My Life Without a Dishwasher, Here’s the Dishrack I Can’t Live Without
- Princess Diana's star-covered velvet dress sells for record $1.1 million at auction
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- Tesla, Mazda, Kia, Volvo among 2 million-plus vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
- CBP to suspend border railway crossings at two Texas border bridges due to migrant surge
- Trump blasted for saying immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country
Recommendation
'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
Kendall Jenner Steps Out With Justin Bieber and Friends in Aspen Amid Bad Bunny Breakup
Senator’s son appears in court on new homicide charge from crash that killed North Dakota deputy
Norman Lear's Cause of Death Revealed
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
First cardinal prosecuted in Vatican's criminal court convicted of embezzlement
What is dark, chilly and short? The winter solstice, and it's around the corner
Biden administration moves to protect oldest trees as climate change brings more fires, pests