Black Actress Sues American Repertory Theater Over Hair Discrimination

BOSTON, Massachusetts — Nike Imoru, a Black actress and casting director, has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University’s American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.) in Cambridge, alleging racial discrimination that resulted in permanent damage to her hair, and scalp. The lawsuit, filed on February 18, 2026, claims the theater failed to provide a qualified hairstylist, leading to severe and lasting harm.

Details of the Lawsuit

Imoru alleges that during rehearsals for the 2025 production of “The Odyssey,” she was required to have cornrows installed. Instead of hiring a licensed professional, the A.R.T. Assigned a backstage employee – who was not a trained hair technician – to style her hair. This decision, according to the lawsuit, violated both state nondiscrimination law, including protections against hair discrimination, and the theater’s own public commitments to anti-racism.

The complaint states that Imoru was offered the option to find her own stylist, but the tight production schedule and her unfamiliarity with local hair professionals made it impractical. She reasonably believed the A.R.T. Employee was qualified, as the theater had suggested they were capable of styling her hair.

The Impact on Imoru

Imoru claims the improperly installed cornrows caused significant damage, resulting in permanent hair loss, painful scalp damage, and emotional distress, including depression and panic attacks. She reports losing 90% of her hair and receiving a dermatologist’s assessment that most of her hair follicles are now empty. CBS News reports that Imoru has too experienced job losses as a direct result of her hair loss.

The actress has stated she is unable to continue her acting career, lacking the confidence to perform on stage again. The Harvard Crimson details the extent of the damage and emotional toll.

A.R.T.’s Response and Legal Context

As of February 25, 2026, the American Repertory Theater has not issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. People Magazine reported the filing of the lawsuit 16 hours prior.

The lawsuit highlights a growing awareness of hair discrimination and the importance of qualified professionals when working with textured hair. The case references a 2022 state law prohibiting discrimination against natural and protective hairstyles, underscoring the legal protections in place for individuals like Imoru. The Boston Globe notes that the A.R.T. Has publicly committed to anti-racism initiatives, making the allegations particularly noteworthy.

The Broader Issue of Hair Discrimination

This case is part of a larger conversation about the significance of hair in relation to racial equality. Experts note that Black hair has historically been a marker of identity, resistance, and liberation, and continues to be subject to societal standards and biases. The treatment of hair, particularly Black textured hair, remains a recurring issue for performers in predominantly white-run theaters.