Rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is at the center of a civil lawsuit alleging sexual assault and abuse during a 2010 music video shoot at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. The lawsuit, filed by model Jenifer An in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, details distressing allegations, including strangulation and forced acts described as “pornographic gagging.”
A Pattern of Allegations Against Ye
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal troubles for Ye, who has faced complaints from former employees and an amended lawsuit by a former assistant alleging sexual misconduct. Jenifer An’s case adds another layer to the controversy surrounding the artist, raising questions about accountability in the music industry.
The incident reportedly occurred while Ye guest-starred in another musician's video. According to the lawsuit, Ye demanded that female background models line up for an “evaluation” of their appearance. He allegedly selected An, referring to her as “the Asian girl,” and instructed her to follow him to a suite.
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Disturbing Details of the Alleged Assault
The lawsuit recounts how Ye commanded the production team to play music, despite being unprepared for his assigned lyrics. He reportedly positioned chairs near a camera, instructed An to sit, and then began choking her with one hand before using both hands.
“He smothered her face with both hands, smeared her makeup, and forced several fingers into her throat,” the lawsuit states, describing the act as resembling BDSM practices. Ye allegedly justified his actions by declaring, “This is art. I am like Picasso.”
An claims she struggled to breathe, felt as though she blacked out, and was left physically and emotionally scarred. She is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, accusing both Ye and Universal Music Group (UMG) of negligence.
Calls for Accountability
The lawsuit also implicates UMG, alleging the label failed to investigate the incident. An’s legal team argues that industry leaders must take responsibility for creating safe work environments and addressing allegations of misconduct.
In a statement, the New York City Police Department emphasized its commitment to thoroughly investigating sexual assault claims and urged survivors to come forward.
Source: Euronews
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