Kanye West’s legal issues with his private school, Donda Academy, have taken a new turn. On December 11, 2024, West’s failure to appear at an important hearing led to default judgments being entered against several of his companies. These included Yeezy Christian Academy, Donda Services LLC, and Stokes Canyon LLC. The lawsuit, which was filed in 2023 by former employee Isaiah Meadows, claims breach of contract and raises serious concerns about the conditions at Donda Academy.
At a hearing in Downtown Los Angeles, Superior Court Judge Christopher K. Lui expressed frustration over West’s absence.
“There’s basically no representation for these three entities,” Judge Lui said.
He further stated that the answers to the lawsuit filed by West’s former attorney, Brian Brumfield, would be stricken due to the lack of legal representation. This marks the first time that default judgments have been entered against West’s companies in connection with the case.
Meadows’ lawsuit alleges that he was hired in 2020 to help run the school, which was initially known as Yeezy Christian Academy. He played a key role in transitioning the school to its new name, Donda Academy, in 2021. However, after Meadows voiced concerns about the school’s safety—including issues like an overflowing septic tank, exposed electrical wiring, and glassless windows—his compensation was reportedly cut, and his rent stipend was revoked. In August 2022, he was terminated, a move he claims was retaliatory after he raised these safety concerns.
The lawsuit also claims that Meadows was fired after he complained about unsafe conditions, including a lack of basic facilities. Teachers who joined the legal action have cited similar issues, including poor security, non-existent educational standards, and minimal provisions like sushi for lunch. They also allege that West had a strict policy banning chairs, instead providing only stools and foam cushions.
The legal situation surrounding Donda Academy has escalated in recent months, with Meadows being one of several former employees filing complaints against the school. Two teachers previously claimed they were fired for raising concerns about the school’s security and educational shortcomings. In total, three teachers filed lawsuits, and Meadows’ legal action is one of the most prominent cases.
In addition to Meadows’ case, West has faced multiple lawsuits related to Donda Academy. The most recent, filed in November 2024, was brought by Murphy Aficionado, a former Yeezy staffer. Aficionado claims he was fired after questioning West’s decision to move Donda Academy to a dilapidated property without the proper permits. He also accuses West of subjecting him to antisemitic rants and forcing him to endure uncomfortable situations, including being forced to sit in an adjoining hotel suite while West engaged in loud sexual activities.
The legal strategy behind West’s refusal to attend hearings remains unclear, but it has left his companies vulnerable to default judgments. Despite retaining attorney Brian Brumfield, West severed ties with him in June 2024. Brumfield informed the court that West refused to pay for his services and had been unresponsive to communication. This absence of legal representation is a key reason for the court’s decision to strike the previous responses filed by West’s attorney.
The court’s decision to move forward with the case has sparked mixed reactions. Meadows’ attorney, Ron Zambrano, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. “We’re satisfied with the decision. This particular judge is not one to wait for things to happen. He makes sure things happen, and happen correctly,” Zambrano told Rolling Stone. “We’re looking forward to collecting a judgment.”
Despite the legal challenges, Kanye West remains a defendant in the case and has the option to represent himself at trial. The case is currently set to go to trial in April 2024, although further delays are possible depending on whether West decides to re-engage with legal counsel. For now, his failure to appear at court hearings and respond to the legal proceedings is raising concerns about the potential long-term impact on his companies and reputation.
As the Donda Academy case progresses, it highlights the ongoing legal and financial challenges West faces. The default judgments against his companies are just the latest in a series of legal setbacks for the rapper and fashion mogul. With several lawsuits still pending, the outcome of the Donda Academy case could have significant consequences for both West’s businesses and his personal future.
