Cambridge, MA – A Black actress is alleging racial discrimination and seeking damages after claiming she suffered permanent hair and scalp injuries during rehearsals for a production at Harvard University’s American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.). Nike Imoru filed a lawsuit this week detailing a harrowing experience where she says an unqualified backstage employee braided her hair, resulting in significant and lasting harm.
The lawsuit centers on Imoru’s experience during the 2025 production of “The Odyssey.” According to the filing, the A.R.T. Failed to provide a licensed and qualified hairstylist, despite a contractual obligation and a 2022 Massachusetts state law prohibiting discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles. This alleged failure led to Imoru being styled by a backstage employee who was not a trained hair technician.
Imoru alleges that the resulting cornrows were installed so tightly that they caused severe damage to her scalp and hair follicles. She claims to have experienced immediate and intense pain, and subsequent medical evaluations revealed permanent hair loss and non-scarring alopecia. “The damage is indescribable. It’s cataclysmic,” Imoru explained, according to reporting from CBS News Boston. “In fact, it doesn’t grow back.”
Unequal Treatment Alleged
A central claim in the lawsuit is that Imoru was treated differently than her white counterparts. She asserts that white actors involved in the production were provided with qualified hairstylists, whereas she was left in the care of the unqualified backstage employee. This disparity, she argues, constitutes racial discrimination and a violation of the A.R.T.’s own public commitments to anti-racism. The complaint states that Imoru was given the opportunity to find her own stylist, but the tight production schedule and her unfamiliarity with local professionals made it impractical.
The A.R.T., a Harvard-affiliated theater, is facing accusations of violating state nondiscrimination law, specifically protections against hair discrimination. The 2022 Massachusetts law, known as the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open Workplace for Natural Hair), prohibits discrimination based on hair texture and protective styles, such as braids, locks, and twists. The Harvard Crimson reports that Imoru’s contract explicitly required the theater to adhere to this law.
Impact on Career and Well-being
The lawsuit details the profound emotional and professional toll the incident has taken on Imoru. She reports experiencing depression, panic attacks, and a significant loss of income due to the hair loss. She states she has lost approximately 90% of her hair, and a dermatologist has indicated that many of her hair follicles are now empty. “I continue to lose it – my hair – it is now permanent,” Imoru said.
Imoru is seeking compensation for emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost earnings. The case raises important questions about the responsibility of institutions to protect the health and well-being of their performers, particularly those from marginalized groups. The lawsuit also highlights the growing awareness of hair discrimination and the importance of protecting natural and protective hairstyles.
The American Repertory Theater has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit. It remains to be seen how the case will proceed and what impact it will have on policies regarding hair and makeup services in theatrical productions. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how theaters and other performance venues address issues of racial discrimination and hair equity.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or legal expert for any health concerns or legal questions.
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