Kanye West, now legally known as Ye, is embroiled in a federal lawsuit filed by Jennifer An, a former America’s Next Top Model contestant. An accuses the rapper of choking her unconscious and forcing his fingers down her throat during the production of a music video for La Roux’s In for the Kill in New York City.
In the court documents, An alleges that West referred to the assault as “art,” reportedly shouting, “This is art. This is f**king art. I am like Picasso,” during the alleged incident. Universal Music Group (UMG) is also named as a co-defendant, with claims that the company suppressed the incident to protect West’s public image.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of separate allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against West by his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, further intensifying the controversies surrounding him. As of now, neither West, UMG, nor Jennifer An has issued a public statement regarding the claims.
The case adds to a growing list of legal and personal challenges for the Grammy-winning artist, who has been a polarizing figure in both the music and fashion industries.
