Jennifer An Sues Kanye West Over 2010 Video Shoot, Alleging Choking and Simulated Oral Sex
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 10
Jennifer An Sues Kanye West Over 2010 Video Shoot, Alleging Choking and Simulated Oral Sex
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 10
Summary
Jennifer An told the BBC she felt "suffocated and scared" when Kanye West allegedly choked her and put his fingers in her mouth during a 2010 shoot for La Roux's "In For The Kill" video.
West's lawyers do not deny the encounter occurred, but say it was an "intense and provocative theatrical performance" modeled on American Psycho and argue An was a consenting participant protected by First Amendment free-speech rights.
2024 Instagram messages from La Roux, submitted in court, say singer Elly Jackson remembered the incident as "horrific" and wrote that West "knew exactly what he was doing, he thought it was funny."
An filed the civil suit in 2024 under New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, which temporarily revived expired claims; the case has not gone to trial, and West has moved to dismiss it.
The lawsuit adds to scrutiny of West, who has faced repeated backlash in recent years over antisemitic remarks, pro-Hitler music and merchandise, and other erratic public behavior.
With multiple witnesses calling the act "horrific," can Kanye West's "artistic performance" defense possibly succeed in court?
As lawsuits mount, is Kanye West's provocative art a pattern of genius or a pattern of abuse?
When a superstar claims "art" and a model claims "assault," where does the law draw the line?
Jennifer An v. Kanye West & UMG: 2010 Assault Allegations, Systemic Discrimination, and Legal Fallout in the Entertainment Industry
Overview
Jennifer An has filed a lawsuit against Kanye West and Universal Music Group (UMG), alleging that West assaulted her during a 2010 music video shoot and that UMG systematically discriminates against women. The lawsuit claims that record labels and high-profile industry figures tried to cover up the incident. While Kanye West and UMG have not commented, An’s legal team highlights her courage in coming forward after many years. Enabled by recent legal developments, this case not only targets individual actions but also points to broader issues of discrimination and accountability within the entertainment industry.