“This Is Art”: Kanye West Faces Sexual Assault Lawsuit from Former Model
(Photo Credit: Matthias Nareyek/Getty Images)
Kanye West is facing serious allegations of sexual assault in a new lawsuit filed by former America’s Next Top Model contestant Jenifer “Jenn” An. The suit claims that West forcibly gagged and inappropriately touched her during a 2010 music video shoot for La Roux’s “In for the Kill” at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City.
This latest accusation adds to the rapper’s ongoing legal troubles, including complaints from former employees. According to Page Six, the lawsuit alleges that West arrived at the shoot with then-girlfriend Selita Ebanks and quickly took control, sidelining director Kinga Burza. The complaint claims West ordered several models to line up and then singled out An, saying, “Give me the Asian girl.”
Although she felt uneasy, she complied, dressed only in lingerie. When she mentioned her discomfort, West allegedly responded, “That’s why I chose you.” The suit describes the incident in graphic detail, claiming West led An to a couch positioned under a camera and began choking her. As reported by Rolling Stone, the lawsuit states, “On camera, defendant West began to choke plaintiff with one hand.
He then wrapped his other hand around her neck and continued to strangle her with both hands. He then rammed several fingers down her throat, continuously moved them in and out, and gagged her.” The complaint further alleges that West mimicked forced oral sex and declared, “This is art. This is fucking art. I am like Picasso.”
She claims she panicked and struggled to breathe, eventually blacking out momentarily. She also alleges that she looked for help from others on set but received none. The lawsuit names Universal Music Group as a co-defendant, accusing the company of organizing West’s appearance and failing to investigate or act despite the alleged misconduct.
The suit argues that UMG prioritized West’s profitability over accountability. An is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages, accusing West of assault, sexually motivated felony charges, and second-degree strangulation under New York law. She claims the incident caused lasting emotional distress, humiliation, and psychological harm.
This lawsuit comes amid other allegations against West, including a 2022 complaint from a former employee who accused him of fostering a toxic work environment and engaging in inappropriate behavior and antisemitic rants, as reported by Newsweek. The case adds to the mounting scrutiny of the controversial artist’s conduct.
