Duke University VP Gets Campus Baristas Fired for Playing a Young Dolph Song

Two baristas at a campus coffeeshop were fired at the request of Duke University officials yesterday for playing rap music. According to North Carolina’s alternative weekly Indy Week, Vice President of Student Affairs Larry Moneta walked into the campus location of Joe Van Gogh on Friday and was offended when he heard Young Dolph’s “Get Paid” over the speakers.

Barista Britni Brown was responsible for picking the music—a Spotify playlist that included the song. “[Moneta] was verbally harassing her,” said Kevin Simmons, the other barista working during the shift who witnessed their interaction. By Monday, both Brown and Simmons were asked to resign because of the “vulgar music.” Pitchfork has reached out to Duke’s Student Affairs department for comment from Moneta.

Because Joe Van Gogh is contracted by Duke University, the coffee shop carried out the termination request made by Moneta and executive director of dining services, Robert Coffey. Coworkers and current managers of the store told Indy Week that neither Brown nor Simmons had any record of workplace misconduct. Brown, Simmons, and other Joe Van Gogh employees claimed that they weren’t aware of any music policy and received no training for what was deemed “appropriate” music.

“There are other options besides being terminated,” Brown said. “We could have just been moved to another shop. But Duke came in and took our livelihood.” Read the full report.

UPDATE (05/09 5:26 p.m. ET): Young Dolph has responded to news of the incident. On Wednesday afternoon, he tweeted: “Whoever that VP is, he don’t give a dam about nobody but his self... I guess he was trying to teach the students how to be selfish I guess......... smh🤦🏽‍♂️ 👎🏾” Find the post below.

UPDATE (05/11 4:16 p.m. ET): In a new statement, Robbie Roberts—owner of Joe Van Gogh Coffee—has announced that the company has cut ties with Duke University. “I have extended jobs to our entire team at our Duke on-campus store, either at one of our off-campus locations or at our production offices,” he wrote. “And, I have reached out to our two baristas who were provided severance so that they may either re-join Joe Van Gogh or secure employment elsewhere if they like.” Find his full statement at the company’s website.

UPDATE (05/11 10:08 p.m. ET): Young Dolph has given $20,000 each to the two Duke University campus baristas who were fired earlier this week. A representative confirms to Pitchfork that Dolph flew out the baristas first class to Miami’s Rolling Loud Festival, invited them on stage on Friday night during his set, and presented them each with $20,000 in cash. He then performed “Get Paid.” Watch it go down below.