Kanye West Resolves Donda Academy Lawsuit Shortly Before Trial
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Kanye West has recently settled a lawsuit regarding wrongful termination and unpaid wages at the now-closed Donda Academy. The settlement was reached just weeks before the trial that was initiated by former teachers of the academy. The agreement, according to documents from the Los Angeles Superior Court, states that West, listed as defendant Donda Academy, Incorporated, et al., must fulfil his end of the settlement within 45 days, after which the plaintiffs will request a dismissal of the case in the LA Superior Court. Despite numerous attempts, the attorneys representing the rapper have not provided a comment on the matter.
The lawsuit was initially filed in April 2023 by Cecilia Hailey and her daughter Chekarey Byers, who were both discharged as teachers from the private school named after West’s late mother, Donda. Another teacher, Timanii Meeks, also joined the lawsuit on June 1, 2023. Allegations in the lawsuit claimed that the academy, which lacked proper accreditation, failed to comply with various Department of Education regulations. The suit alleged a lack of safety measures, absence of school nurses and janitors on campus, and failure to adhere to nutritional guidelines for meals. It was highlighted that West reportedly spent $10,000 weekly on sushi and served it as the students’ lunch.
The complaint further detailed that Hailey, a seasoned educator with over twenty-five years of experience and former dean of two colleges, identified multiple health and safety violations and unlawful educational practices at Donda Academy. The lawsuit stated that despite Hailey’s attempts to address these concerns with the academy’s director/principal, Moira Love, on multiple occasions, corrective action was not taken. Hailey and Byers also alleged racial discrimination, wage irregularities, and mistreatment towards the staff.
Students at Donda Academy were reportedly subject to strict rules, including wearing all black attire, eating lunch on the floor without utensils, and refraining from using chairs. The lawsuit claimed that the school had no classes on the second floor due to West’s fear of stairs and that teachers and students were not provided with traditional seating options. Hailey and Byers sought damages exceeding $1 million for lost wages and emotional distress as a result of the alleged misconduct.
West had announced the establishment of Donda Academy in 2021, touting a curriculum focused on sustainability, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Described as a platform to nurture future leaders, thinkers, and innovators, the school ceased operations in June 2024, as confirmed by the California Department of Education.
The resolution of this lawsuit brings closure to a tumultuous chapter involving West and former employees of Donda Academy. The terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, and the repercussions of this legal battle will likely reverberate within the educational and celebrity spheres. By addressing these allegations, West has taken a step towards accountability and rectifying the grievances put forth by his former staff members.