Kanye West and shocking lawsuits against him

Kanye West is known for generating controversy through his words, and actions which often leads him into legal trouble.

The rapper, also known as Ye, has been involved in several notable lawsuits and until now, he has been sued at least 14 times including a lawsuit filed by a former assistant who alleges sexual harassment, breach of contract, and wrongful termination.

From wrongful termination to sexual harassment; here’s a list legal battles West has been fighting; let’s have a look:

Sexual harassment

In 2024, the I Wonder rapper was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit that alleges that West strangled a model named Jenifer An on a music video set in 2010.

He also shoved his fingers in her mouth in what the suit refers to as "pornographic gagging", as per the lawsuit.

"Specifically, he ordered the female background actors/models, including Plaintiff, to line up in the hallway," the suit stated, adding, "He evaluated their appearances, pointed to two of the women, and then commanded them to follow him."

The lawsuit alleged that Ye then pointed at An and said, "Give me the Asian girl."

An, who was wearing “revealing lingerie,” was uncomfortable but went with him to a suite and later West then ordered the production team to start the playback music.

It added, “Defendant West then pulled two chairs near the camera, positioned them across from each other, and instructed Plaintiff to sit in the chair in front of the camera.”

The suit alleges that Ye stood “towering over” An and, breathing heavily, “began to choke Plaintiff with one hand.”

Wrongful termination of Lauren Pisciotta

Pisciotta claimed in her lawsuit against the Gold Digger rapper that she was subjected her to vulgar text messages, explicit photos and videos, and inappropriate behaviour, such as masturbating while on the phone with her.

She also claimed wrongful termination and failure to pay $3 million in promised severance which she accepted but never received, leading to a breach of contract claim in her lawsuit

The Heartless rapper’s legal team denied the allegations, accusing Pisciotta of blackmail, extortion, and engaging in inappropriate behaviour herself.

Racial discrimination

The Father Stretch My Hands rapper was sued by Benjamin Deshon Provo in April 2024, in Los Angeles Superior Court.

As per the lawsuit, Provo accused West of discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, labour code violations, and wrongful termination.

According to Provo, the rapper discriminated against him and other black employees at Donda Academy, where he worked as a security guard from August 2021 until his termination.

He also claimed West “screamed at and berated black employees” and made negative comments about prominent black leaders.

Copyright and plagiarism

The ex-husband of Kim Kardashian has faced at least 14 lawsuits over claims of unlicensed sampling, including cases involving Marshall Jefferson's Move Your Body and Donna Summer's I Feel Love.

Moreover, David P. Moten v. Def Jam Recordings also filed a lawsuit against West claiming that he used unauthorised samples of a recorded sermon in the song, Come to Life.

Workplace harassment (Antisemitism)

West’ former employee, who is a Jewish ex-publicist, sued him, alleging workplace harassment, unjust firing, and blatant antisemitism, with a judge ruling West must compensate her for $99,720 in legal fees.

Moreover, she's referred to as "Jane Doe" in court documents to protect her identity.

Her lawsuit also alleged West sent her disturbing texts, including "I am a Nazi" and "Welcome to the first day of working for Hitler". He also allegedly messaged "Hail Hitler" to her.

Other notable cases

Ricky Spicer sued the Niggas in Paris hitmaker in December 2013 for sampling Ponderosa Twins Plus One's song Bound without permission, settling out of court.

David Pryor's family members sued West in 2013 over an unauthorised sample from Bumpin’ Bus Stop, settling with an undisclosed agreement.

In Gabor Presser's "Gyongyhaju Lany" lawsuit, filed in 2016, Ye was sued for sampling Presser's song in New Slaves without clearance.

Another lawsuit filed by Trevor Phillips, former employee of Yeezy alleged that West subjected him to discrimination and harassment at Donda Academy, alleging anti-Semitic behaviour and comparing himself to Hitler.