Jennifer An Accuses Kanye West of Choking and Inappropriate Behavior During Music Video Shoot: Legal Battle Ensues
A model, Jennifer An, has accused Kanye West of choking her and engaging in inappropriate behavior during a music video shoot in 2010. An alleges that West choked her, stuck his fingers in her mouth, and smeared her makeup while filming a scene for a music video. The encounter left An feeling suffocated, unsure, and scared. West's lawyers argue that the incident was part of a theatrical performance inspired by the film American Psycho. An's career had received a boost after appearing on America's Next Top Model, and she was hired for the music video without knowing West would be on set. Despite the disturbing encounter, West did not end up appearing in the final music video. An filed a civil lawsuit against West under New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act, which extends the statute of limitations for sexual assault survivors. West's lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss the case, claiming the encounter was part of producing expressive art and that An was a consenting participant in the performance. An's lawyer argues that artists should not be allowed to engage in harmful behavior under the guise of art.