Kanye West Seeks Major Trial Delay Over Russia Shows And Milo Yiannopoulos’ Deportation

Kanye West is asking a judge to postpone his upcoming civil trial, pointing to unfinished legal preparation among other things. The Kanye West Seeks Major Trial Delay Over Russia Shows And Milo Yiannopoulos’ Deportation first appeared on The Blast

Kanye West is asking a judge to postpone his upcoming civil trial, pointing to unfinished legal preparation, planned concerts in Russia, and Milo Yiannopoulos‘ deportation from the United States. The rapper, who legally changed his name to Ye, is currently scheduled to face trial on October 12 in a discrimination lawsuit filed by former Donda Academy security guard Benjamin Provo. Ye wants the proceedings moved to May 17, 2027, or another date that works for the court and both parties. The judge has not yet approved the requested delay.

Kanye West Wants More Time To Prepare For Trial

According to TMZ, Ye’s attorneys filed court documents last week detailing why they believe the October trial should be postponed. The legal team claims significant preparation remains unfinished because Provo and his attorney have not been cooperative during depositions and the document discovery process.

Ye’s lawyers further allege that Provo’s side has repeatedly delayed pretrial matters, leaving too much work to complete before the current start date.

In addition to requesting a continuance, Ye is seeking sanctions against Provo and his lawyer. Sanctions can include financial penalties or other court-ordered consequences, but Ye must first persuade the judge that the opposing side violated discovery rules or otherwise interfered with the case.

The filing does not automatically change the trial date. Unless the judge grants the motion, the October 12 date remains in place.

Benjamin Provo Accuses Ye Of Workplace Discrimination

Provo filed his lawsuit in April 2024 after working as a security guard at Donda Academy and other facilities connected to Ye. According to the complaint, Provo began working for Ye’s organization in August 2021. He alleges that Ye and members of the rapper’s management team treated Black employees less favorably than their White colleagues.

Provo further claims that his pay was reduced after he raised concerns about wage disparities. He also alleges that Ye demanded that he cut his dreadlocks despite the hairstyle being connected to his Muslim faith. The former security guard claims he was ultimately fired after refusing to remove his dreadlocks.

More recent court documents reportedly show Provo seeking approximately $23 million in damages. Ye has argued that Provo was employed by a third-party company rather than directly by him, according to TMZ.

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Ye’s Reported Russia Concerts Face Venue Uncertainty

Ye is also arguing that the October 12 trial date conflicts with his performance schedule. The rapper says he is expected to travel to Russia for concerts planned for October 10 and 11, placing the performances immediately before the trial is scheduled to begin. However, the status of the shows remains unclear.

St. Petersburg’s Gazprom Arena was initially announced as the venue, but the stadium later said it would not host Ye on those dates. The venue also maintained that it had not signed a rental agreement for the concerts.

Moscow-based promoter Say Agency disputed the suggestion that the performances had been canceled and claimed the arena had initially approved the events. The promoter indicated it was searching for another venue, but no replacement location had been publicly confirmed.

Milo Yiannopoulos’ Deportation Is Raised In The Motion

Yiannopoulos’ immigration situation has also become part of Ye’s request for additional time. Ye’s attorneys identified his former chief of staff as one of the people most knowledgeable about the allegations in Provo’s lawsuit. The filing notes that Immigration and Customs Enforcement “very recently and very publicly deported” him.

Yiannopoulos was detained at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in August before being returned to the United Kingdom. The Department of Homeland Security said Yiannopoulos entered the United States legally in May 2019 but remained in the country beyond his authorized stay.

An immigration judge issued a final removal order on July 22 after he failed to attend an immigration hearing, according to DHS. Yiannopoulos was arrested the following month and deported one day later.

Yiannopoulos had previously claimed he was living in the United States under an O-1 nonimmigrant visa. That classification is generally available to people who demonstrate extraordinary ability or achievement in fields including business, education, science, athletics and the arts.

His return to the United Kingdom could complicate deposition scheduling, communication with attorneys, or an eventual trial appearance. However, the court will decide whether his location creates a serious enough obstacle to justify postponing the case for approximately seven months.

Ye Reportedly Distanced Himself From His Former Chief Of Staff

The trial motion comes amid reports that Ye’s relationship with Yiannopoulos has deteriorated. Yiannopoulos previously occupied a powerful position in Ye’s organization as his chief of staff. He was also involved in the rapper’s political activities and occasionally handled media requests.

Following the deportation, a source claimed Ye “does not want to be involved with Milo anymore.” The insider also alleged that Ye asked Yiannopoulos to move out of one of his properties.

The reported breakdown emerged as Ye prepared for a performance at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. According to the source, the rapper had “no idea why Milo was coming to the concert.”

The insider further alleged that Yiannopoulos had not been trusted within Ye’s circle for some time. Yiannopoulos reportedly described himself as Ye’s publicist, although the title was allegedly never formally given to him.

The judge must now determine whether the remaining discovery work, Ye’s proposed Russia performances, and Yiannopoulos’ deportation justify moving the trial to May 17, 2027. The court will also rule separately on Ye’s request for sanctions against Provo and his attorney.

The Kanye West Seeks Major Trial Delay Over Russia Shows And Milo Yiannopoulos’ Deportation first appeared on The Blast