Kanye West accused of assaulting model in new lawsuit
Kanye West has been sued for sexual assault and strangulation relating to an alleged incident that took place on the set of a music video in 2010.
The video was for English pop star La Roux’s hit single, ‘In For The Kill’, which included a cameo from Kanye. It has been filed by plaintiff Jennifer Ann who was a background actor for the shoot at the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan.
The filing was submitted on November 22nd in federal court in New York, Rolling Stone has since obtained the legal document. In the lawsuit, An says that West immediately pointed at her upon arriving on set, demanding, “Give me the Asian girl.”
She alleges that West was “towering over” her and “breathing heavily” before taking charge on set by directing the camera crew to zoom in on her face. An states that he began “his own production” without any pushback from those working on the production.
The lawsuit claims: “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.”
It’s also alleged by An that West forcefully used his fingers “to emulate forced oral sex”. While he was allegedly doing this act, she also says that he screamed, “This is art. This is fucking art. I am like Picasso.”
In the filing, his alleged actions are described of being “in a manner similar to pornographic gagging/deep throat/BDSM fetishes.”
It continues: “Plaintiff struggled to breathe and felt as if she had temporarily blacked out. When defendant West decided that he was finished with plaintiff, her face was covered in saliva and smeared makeup.”
Furthermore, Universal Music Group have also been listed as a co-defendant in the lawsuit. An alleges that they “failed to investigate” the rapper’s alleged behaviour.
West has been accused of sexual assault and strangulation. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged attack.
In a statement, An said: “Women in the music and entertainment industries have been subject to sexual abuse for years with no recourse to speak out or implement change. This space is a dangerous place for women. We are essentially objects in the entertainment world.”
She continued: “The industries have thrived on placing us in abusive power dynamics. Outside of creating legal precedent, survivors of sexual assault have nothing. I hope to hold the abusers accountable through the legal system.”
At this stage, West, La Roux and Universal Music Group are yet to comment on the filing.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.