Kanye West's legal troubles have escalated as his lawyer, Brian Brumfield, has requested to withdraw from nine civil cases due to unpaid fees and a lack of communication from West.
The rapper is currently embroiled in at least eleven lawsuits, and Brumfield’s exit could leave him without legal representation for all ongoing cases.
The U.S. Sun reveals that Brumfield’s request follows a breakdown in their relationship, which occurred in June.
Brumfield had previously sought to be relieved from a case involving Justin Poplawski, who sued West for assault after an encounter outside a nightclub in 2022.
West's legal team responded by claiming, "Defendant is informed and believes, and based on such information and belief, alleges that Defendant was justified in doing any and/or all of the acts alleged in the Complaint."
The 'autograph hunter' lawsuit has prompted a hearing on the motion to remove Brumfield, scheduled for later this month.
Additionally, Brumfield has been officially removed from a case involving Gap, which is seeking damages from West related to alleged unapproved alterations of a storefront leased to Gap for West’s Yeezy line.
Art City Center, which owns the building in downtown Los Angeles, argued that West is responsible for the alleged damages.
Despite Gap's claims, West has yet to respond.
Art City Center requested the court to deny Brumfield's motion if it would delay proceedings, and the judge granted this request.
Brumfield’s withdrawal extends to other civil suits in Los Angeles.
In his filings, Brumfield states, "Defendant, Kanye West, terminated relationship on 6/21/2024. Defendant also will not speak to counsel and Defendant refuses to pay counsel as well."
Among the cases is one filed by Trevor Phillips, a former employee of Donda Academy, who is suing for harassment, discrimination, and a hostile work environment.
Phillips alleges, "In front of the schoolchildren, Kanye continued his dangerous rhetoric.
Kanye started to openly discuss how he only likes to date white women.
"Then addressing the two school children, Kanye told them that he wanted them to shave their heads and that he intended to put a jail at the school — and that they could be locked in cages. The staff quickly distracted the children and escorted them out of the room."
West has denied these allegations, with his counsel claiming, "Plaintiff's Complaint, and each and every purported cause of action alleged therein, is uncertain, vague, and ambiguous. Plaintiff’s alleged damages, if any, were caused by circumstances and conduct other than that alleged in the Complaint."
The case is stalled, with a hearing on Brumfield's motion set for this week.
Brumfield has also requested to be removed from other lawsuits, mostly involving West’s former employees.
Sources indicated that West has not yet appointed a new lawyer.
An insider told The U.S. Sun, "Dealing with him in a lawsuit is impossible, there's no compromise or reasonable behavior."
West has several suits pending response, including one from his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta.
Pisciotta alleges West sent her vulgar texts before firing her and promised $1 million annually if she deleted her OnlyFans account, which he allegedly never paid.
She claims West also offered $3 million in severance but failed to pay.
Additionally, Pisciotta accuses West of sending sexual videos, including a 24-second clip of a model performing oral sex on him.
West has denied these claims, with a former representative stating in June that West will file a lawsuit against Pisciotta for blackmail and extortion.
Despite his legal challenges, West appears to be living a lavish lifestyle.
He has been seen with his wife, Bianca Censori, in revealing outfits and welcoming new Tesla Cybertrucks.
His financial situation remains precarious, with his firms, including Yeezy, owing over $1 million in unpaid taxes and liens.
The U.S. Sun previously reported that Yeezy is in disarray, with its website no longer processing orders after slashing prices to $20.
West’s brand suffered after he was dropped by major fashion names over anti-Semitic comments, leading to a secret arbitration dispute with Adidas.
Although Adidas dropped a federal case to freeze $75 million held by Yeezy, they are pursuing the money privately.
West claimed in February he was being sued by Adidas for $250 million, a claim yet to be confirmed.
He lost his billionaire status after the deal fell apart, with Forbes valuing him at around $400 million a few years ago.
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