- Kanye West is facing a lawsuit filed by a former employee alleging antisemitic harassment and a hostile work environment. This comes amid recent controversies, including his wife Bianca Censori’s “invisible” dress at the Grammys and a hate-filled social media rant.
- Shopify has shut down Ye’s website after he aired a Super Bowl ad, which directed viewers to a page selling a $20 T-shirt featuring a black swastika.
- This controversy coincides with the announcement of Ye’s new album, “Bully,” leading to speculation about the timing’s potential strategic intent.
Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has had a week of controversy—from his wife Bianca Censori’s “invisible” dress at the Grammys to his latest social media rant. And now, the rapper is facing a lawsuit and major business fallout.
Ye sued by former employee
TMZ obtained the lawsuit, filed by a Jewish former employee who used the alias “Jane Doe” in 2023. It includes disturbing, antisemitic text messages allegedly sent by West, who now goes by Ye. One message reads, “I am a Nazi.” Another states, “Welcome to the first day of working for Hitler.”
Doe claims Ye subjected her to a hostile work environment. She alleges he berated her appearance when upset and pressured her to assist in an adult film business venture. After she declined, she says his treatment of her worsened.
According to the lawsuit, after Doe reported Ye’s behavior to a manager, he sent her a series of abusive text messages. One message allegedly read, “Come destroy me… Hail Hitler.” The next day, her six-month employment was abruptly terminated.
This lawsuit follows a weekend-long hate-filled rant on Ye’s social media. He allegedly made inflammatory statements similar to those referenced in the lawsuit. He also posted multiple adult film videos and showed support for Sean “Diddy” Combs, who is currently facing charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Ye’s X account was deactivated shortly after.
Shopify shuts down Kanye West’s website
Two days before the lawsuit was filed, Ye aired a 30-second Super Bowl ad in major markets, including Atlanta and Los Angeles. The ad, filmed on his iPhone from a dentist’s chair, featured him claiming that he spent all the ad budget on new teeth, which limited his production. He then directed viewers to his Yeezy website.
However, instead of the full clothing catalog listed previously, visitors found only one item: a $20 white T-shirt featuring a black swastika. According to Deadline, the shirt was not even available when the ad ran.
By Tuesday morning, Shopify had taken down Ye’s website. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Shopify explained its decision:
“All merchants are responsible for following the rules of our platform. This merchant did not engage in authentic commerce practices and violated our terms, so we removed them from Shopify.”
Upcoming album raises speculation
This latest controversy also comes just months ahead of Ye’s newly announced album, “Bully,” which he revealed last week on Justin LaBoy’s podcast.
Given Ye’s history of making headlines before album releases, some speculate whether the timing is coincidental or strategic.
