Jenifer An, a former America’s Next Top Model finalist, has filed a federal lawsuit against Kanye West and Universal Music Group, alleging sexual assault and strangulation during a 2010 music video shoot at Manhattan’s Chelsea Hotel. The incident adds to a growing list of serious allegations against the controversial artist.
In the lawsuit filed Friday in New York federal court, An details a horrifying encounter while filming La Roux’s “In for the Kill” video. According to court documents, West singled out An from a group of background actors, reportedly demanding, “Give me the Asian girl.” The model, dressed in lingerie for the shoot, claims West proceeded to take control of the production in a disturbing turn of events.
The lawsuit paints a chilling picture of what followed. An alleges West “towered over her” before initiating what she describes as a traumatic assault. Court documents state that West wrapped both hands around her neck, choking her until she nearly lost consciousness. The rapper allegedly forced his fingers down her throat in what An’s legal team describes as an attempt to “emulate forced oral sex.”
During the alleged assault, witnesses report hearing West proclaim, “This is fucking art. I am like Picasso.” She claims she desperately looked around the room for help, but no one intervened. The incident left her face “covered in saliva and smeared makeup,” according to the legal filing.
The lawsuit targets West and Universal Music Group, accusing the company of enabling the behavior and failing to investigate the incident. An’s legal team, led by attorneys Christine Hintze, Melissa Berouty, and Jesse Weinstein, argues that the music industry has long perpetuated dangerous power dynamics that put women at risk.
“Women in the music and entertainment industries have been subject to sexual abuse for years with no recourse to speak out or implement change,” An stated after filing the lawsuit. “This space is a dangerous place for women. We are essentially objects in the entertainment world.”
This latest legal challenge comes amid a series of serious allegations against West. Just last month, former Yeezy staffer Lauren Pisciotta amended her lawsuit to include claims of drugging and sexual assault at a high-profile party. Pisciotta had previously accused West of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior during her employment in 2021 and 2022.
The mounting legal troubles follow West’s controversial 2022 antisemitic statements that led to the termination of his partnerships with Gap and Adidas. The pattern of alleged misconduct has raised serious concerns about accountability in the entertainment industry.
An’s attorneys emphasize the importance of speaking out against influential figures in the industry. “Everyone’s voice is important, and West cannot escape liability because of his success and notoriety,” attorney Weinstein stated. The legal team seeks both compensatory and punitive damages for their client.
Representatives for West, Universal Music Group, and La Roux have not responded to requests for comment as of press time. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of women in the entertainment industry and the role of major corporations in preventing and addressing abuse.
I hope her lawsuit will help create meaningful change in the industry. “Outside of creating a legal precedent, survivors of sexual assault have nothing,” she stated. “I hope to hold the abusers accountable through the legal system.”