Kanye West Settles Donda Academy Lawsuits Before Trial

The settlements resolve claims of wrongful termination, unpaid wages, and unsafe conditions at the now-closed private school.

Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, has reached conditional settlements with former employees of Donda Academy, avoiding a trial scheduled for April 2025.
The lawsuits, filed by former assistant principal Isaiah Meadows and teachers Cecilia Hailey, Chekarey Byers, and Timanii Meeks, alleged unsafe working conditions, unpaid wages, and wrongful termination.
Employees claimed the school lacked proper accreditation, had health and safety violations, and imposed unusual rules, such as banning chairs and utensils and requiring students to eat sushi on the floor.
The plaintiffs also alleged racial discrimination, with Hailey and Byers stating they were the only Black staff members and faced withheld wages and improper payments.
Donda Academy, which closed in June 2024, was plagued by controversies, including accusations of poor leadership, unqualified staff, and West’s ongoing legal and personal challenges.