Jenn An Accuses Kanye West of Assault During 2010 Music Video Shoot
Kanye West, 47, faces a lawsuit from America’s Next Top Model alum Jenn An, who claims the rapper assaulted her during the 2010 filming of a music video. The allegations include choking and forcing his fingers into her throat while filming a scene for La Roux’s “In for the Kill” remix at New York City’s Chelsea Hotel.
Disturbing Allegations Detailed in Lawsuit
The lawsuit, filed on November 22 in New York federal court, alleges that West staged his own production during the shoot. An claims she was wearing “revealing lingerie” when West singled her out, telling the crew, “Give me the Asian girl.” She reportedly expressed discomfort, stating, “I’m not wearing very much,” to which West allegedly replied, “That’s why I chose you.”
According to An, West directed other background actors to leave before ordering the camera crew to focus on her. She describes being choked and gagged on camera while West yelled, “This is art. I am like Picasso.” The suit claims this behavior mimicked pornographic BDSM scenes.
Universal Music Group Also Named in the Lawsuit
The lawsuit also targets Universal Music Group (UMG) for allegedly failing to investigate or address the incident. An accuses UMG of prioritizing profit over accountability, claiming the company systematically ignores artists’ histories of harassment and abuse.
Legal Actions and Demands
An is pursuing punitive damages under New York’s Gender Motivated Violence Act, seeking compensation for emotional, mental, and physical distress. The suit calls for a trial by jury and alleges systemic discrimination by UMG and its affiliates.
Broader Controversies Surrounding Kanye West
This lawsuit is the latest in a string of legal troubles for Kanye West. Just last week, his former Yeezy employee, Murphy Aficionado, filed 12 complaints against him and Yeezy LLC, citing discrimination, retaliation, and unlawful termination. Allegations include antisemitic remarks, offensive comments about Filipino culture, and being coerced into uncomfortable situations.
In October, another former assistant accused West of drugging and assaulting her during a studio session.
Jenn An’s Career and Reaction
Jenn An, a third-place contestant on America’s Next Top Model Season 13, has since pursued acting, appearing in Criminal Minds and The Mindy Project. The final version of the 2010 music video does not feature West or An, and neither West nor UMG has commented on the lawsuit.
A Call for Industry Accountability
This lawsuit sheds light on ongoing issues of abuse and discrimination within the entertainment industry. Advocates argue for stronger protections for women and a reevaluation of how companies address artists’ controversial behaviors.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
