Model Accuses Kanye West of Choking Her During Music Video Shoot

American rapper and fashion entrepreneur Kanye West, now known professionally as Ye, is facing renewed legal troubles after a former model accused him of choking her and engaging in inappropriate physical conduct during a music video shoot more than a decade ago.

The allegations form part of a lawsuit filed by Jennifer An, a former contestant on the reality television programme America's Next Top Model, who claims the incident occurred during the filming of a cameo appearance by West in a music video for British electronic act La Roux in 2010. The case has reignited debate about consent, power dynamics and professional conduct within the entertainment industry.

According to An, she was 24 years old when the incident allegedly occurred at New York's historic Chelsea Hotel. She claims she was unaware beforehand that West would appear on the set. Speaking publicly about the incident, An alleged that events escalated unexpectedly during filming.

She said the rapper allegedly grabbed her by the neck, smeared makeup across her face and inserted his fingers into her mouth while directing a scene intended to simulate intimate behaviour. The model described the experience as deeply distressing, saying she felt frightened, trapped and unable to react in the moment.

An said she struggled to process what was happening as the incident unfolded. According to her account, members of the production crew did not intervene. She alleged that West eventually ended the encounter by declaring, "This is art, I'm Picasso," before leaving the set.

Her legal team argues that the absence of explicit consent is central to the case and should not be excused under claims of artistic expression.

The lawsuit reportedly includes communications between An and La Roux lead singer Elly Jackson. According to court filings, Jackson later described the incident as disturbing and supported An's account of events. Those exchanges are expected to form part of the evidence should the matter proceed to trial.

Lawyers representing West have denied that any unlawful conduct occurred. While they do not dispute that physical interaction took place during filming, they argue it formed part of a deliberately provocative artistic performance inspired by scenes from the film American Psycho.

The defence further contends that An did not object during the shoot and has asked the court to dismiss the case.

Legal observers say the lawsuit could have implications beyond the individuals involved. Advocates for workplace safety in the entertainment industry argue that creative environments should not be exempt from consent standards or professional boundaries.

An's lawyer has warned that accepting artistic performance as a blanket defence could create a dangerous precedent for actors, models and production staff.

The latest allegations add to a growing list of controversies that have surrounded West in recent years.

The rapper has faced criticism over inflammatory public statements, business disputes and allegations relating to workplace conduct. Although he has publicly apologised for some past remarks and linked aspects of his behaviour to mental health and neurological diagnoses, the latest lawsuit threatens to further complicate his public image and legal challenges.

For now, the case remains before the courts, with judges expected to determine whether it proceeds to trial or is dismissed at a preliminary stage.

Whatever the outcome, the lawsuit is likely to attract significant attention given West's global profile and the broader questions it raises about accountability within the entertainment industry.