Full Breakdown
Former Model Sues Ye Over Alleged 2010 Music Video Assault
6/10/2026, 1:29:57 PM
Alleged Incident on 2010 Music Video Set
Jennifer An, a former *America’s Next Top Model* contestant, alleges Kanye West (Ye) choked her and placed his fingers in her mouth to simulate oral sex while filming a scene for La Roux’s “In For The Kill” video at New York’s Chelsea Hotel in 2010. She says West later shouted “this is art, I’m Picasso” before leaving.
Background and Context
The shoot was meant as a cameo for West, who reportedly tried to emulate a scene from *American Psycho*. West’s later public controversies, including antisemitic remarks and apologies citing autism and bipolar disorder, provide broader context for the allegations.
Key Figures
Key participants are Jennifer An (plaintiff), Kanye West/Y? (defendant), La Roux (Elly Jackson, singer-songwriter and video owner), Jesse Weinstein (An’s attorney), and West’s legal team (defending on First Amendment grounds).
Timeline
2009 – An appears on *America’s Next Top Model*.
2010 – Alleged assault occurs during La Roux’s video shoot at the Chelsea Hotel.
2024 – An contacts La Roux via Instagram, files a civil suit under New York City’s Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, and West’s lawyers file a motion to dismiss.
Data and Statistics
An was 24 at the time of the alleged incident. The video was for La Roux’s hit single “In For The Kill.”
Official Statements & Responses
West’s attorneys claim the encounter was an “intense and provocative theatrical performance,” invoking the First Amendment and asserting An consented as part of an homage to *American Psycho*. La Roux initially apologized and pledged not to release the footage; later Instagram messages describe West’s conduct as “funny” and “horrific.” An’s lawyer warns that dismissing the case could set a “dangerous precedent” for artistic conduct.
Criticism and Opposition
An reports feeling “suffocated, unsure and scared,” noting that crew members remained passive. She says she froze, fearing job loss, and did not intervene. Critics point to the lack of on-set intervention and question consent given the power imbalance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
West’s counsel maintains An never objected and that the act was consensual performance art. An’s testimony emphasizes fear, surprise, and lack of consent. No direct comment from West has been obtained, and no independent eyewitness accounts are available.
Verbatim Quotes
- “suffocated, unsure and scared” — Jennifer An, Model
- “I didn't know what was gonna happen,” — Jennifer An, Model
- “[West] knew exactly what he was doing, he thought it was funny.” — La Roux (Elly Jackson), Singer
- “really dangerous precedent to set” — Jesse Weinstein, Attorney for Jennifer An
What’s Next
The case is pending; the court will consider West’s motion to dismiss. The outcome may affect how courts balance artistic expression with alleged non-consensual conduct in creative settings.
