Kanye West is battling a sexual assault lawsuit filed by Jenn An, a former contestant on America’s Next Top Model, who alleges the rapper attacked her during the filming of a music video more than a decade ago.
The lawsuit centers on an incident that allegedly took place in 2010 at Manhattan’s Hotel Chelsea, where a video for English synth-pop duo La Roux’s track In for the Kill was being shot. An, who placed fourth in the 13th season of America’s Next Top Model in 2009, was working as a background actor during the production.
In her complaint, An claims West singled her out because of the lingerie she was wearing and pressured her into a violent sexual act until she briefly lost consciousness. She alleges the encounter, which lasted about a minute, was non-consensual.
West’s attorneys strongly deny the accusations, describing the lawsuit as an attack on artistic freedom. They argue the interactions were staged as part of the performance and insist An’s behavior during the shoot contradicts her claims.
West’s legal team stated that the lawsuit is an attempt to “punish his creative process and censor his art.” They warned that allowing the case to proceed could create a dangerous precedent that might “criminalize the work of artists, directors involved in provocative films, theater, or music.”
According to the lawsuit, An accuses both West and Universal Music Group of violating New York’s Gender Motivated Violence Act. She contends that the alleged assault was not part of the performance but a personal act of violence.
Although West did not appear in the U.S. version of the In for the Kill video, he was featured on a remix of the song, leading to his involvement in the production. His legal team maintains that all physical contact was part of a choreographed sequence and that An never attempted to leave or object during filming.
The filing highlights a long-standing tension between performers’ claims of artistic license and individuals’ rights to safety on set. West’s lawyers suggest that if the case is allowed to move forward, it could have sweeping implications for the creative industries.
An’s lawsuit, however, argues that the alleged assault cannot be dismissed as art. She maintains that her experience was deeply traumatic and has pursued legal action to hold West accountable. The case now awaits a judge’s decision on whether it will proceed to trial, with both sides framing the dispute as a test of justice versus artistic expression.