Model says Kanye West sexually assaulted her during shoot, rapper calls it 'art'

Former America’s Next Top Model contestant Jennifer An has filed a lawsuit against rapper Kanye West, alleging she was assaulted during the filming of a music video in New York in 2010.

An claims the incident took place on the set of a shoot connected to La Roux’s song In For the Kill, where she says West took control of the production before allegedly engaging in a series of non-consensual physical actions while cameras were rolling.

According to her account, West allegedly choked her, smeared make-up across her face, and placed his fingers in her mouth in a manner she described as simulating sexual behaviour. She says she was left confused, frozen, and unable to respond during the incident.

Lawyers representing West have not disputed that the encounter occurred but argue it was part of a staged, “intense and provocative theatrical performance”, claiming the rapper was attempting to recreate a scene inspired by the film American Psycho.

An, however, says she was given no clear direction or warning before the interaction began and felt unable to intervene at the time, fearing professional repercussions.

She has described the experience as deeply distressing, stating she felt “suffocated, unsure and scared” during the encounter.

The incident allegedly took place at the Chelsea Hotel during filming for the project, where An says West unexpectedly arrived on set and took creative control. She claims she was selected along with other models for a scene involving him before the alleged incident unfolded.

An has since filed a civil lawsuit under New York’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, which temporarily extends the statute of limitations for survivors of sexual assault.

The case is still pending, and West’s legal team has moved to dismiss it, arguing that the actions described fall under protected artistic expression and were part of a consensual performance.

They further argue that An did not object or attempt to leave during the filming and that the scene was intended as an artistic homage.

Meanwhile, An’s legal representatives say the case raises broader concerns about boundaries in creative environments and the responsibilities of artists and production teams on set.

The matter remains before the court, with no final ruling yet issued.