Rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault in a civil lawsuit that accuses him of strangling a model on the set of a music video.
The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, centers on an incident from 2010 at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. The claimant, a background model for another artist’s music video in which Ye was guest-starring, alleges that the rapper engaged in “pornographic gagging” by forcibly shoving his fingers into her mouth during the shoot. The distressing details have raised significant attention to the case.
According to the lawsuit, Ye arrived on set several hours into the shoot and assumed control of the production. He reportedly directed the female background actors and models, including the claimant, to line up in a hallway, where he evaluated their appearances. The lawsuit alleges that Ye then selected two women, including the claimant, and instructed them to follow him to a suite within the Chelsea Hotel. The claimant, who was dressed in revealing lingerie, reportedly felt uncomfortable but complied with his instructions.
Once inside the suite, the rapper allegedly set up a disturbing scene. The lawsuit claims Ye positioned two chairs across from each other in front of a camera and instructed the claimant to sit down. He reportedly began playing the music for the video, though he appeared to be unfamiliar with the lyrics and instead rambled incoherently. As the scene unfolded, Ye allegedly strangled the model with both hands and proceeded to simulate forced oral sex using his hands while shouting profanities. He reportedly declared, “This is art. This is f****** art. I am like Picasso,” as he continued the act.
The lawsuit further implicates Universal Music Group as a defendant, accusing the company of failing to investigate the incident. Despite the claimant’s allegations, the corporation has not yet responded to requests for comment. The New York City Police Department has also weighed in on the case, emphasizing its commitment to investigating sexual assault and rape allegations and urging victims to come forward and report incidents for proper investigation and support services.
A representative for Ye has not yet commented on the lawsuit. The allegations mark another chapter in Ye’s history of controversies, though these accusations delve into deeply troubling territory. The model is seeking compensatory and punitive damages from the rapper, highlighting the impact of the alleged assault on her life and well-being. The case has sparked conversations about accountability within the entertainment industry and the responsibilities of corporations in addressing such claims.
The claimant’s lawyer, Jesse S. Weinstein, praised the woman’s bravery in coming forward. In a statement, Weinstein noted the difficulty of confronting powerful figures and organizations in the entertainment industry, commending the claimant’s courage in speaking out against such actions. The lawsuit adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about abuse and exploitation within the entertainment world.
This case brings renewed attention to the need for structural reforms within the industry to ensure the safety and dignity of all individuals involved. With such serious allegations at play, it also underscores the importance of robust investigations and accountability for those accused of misconduct, irrespective of their status or influence. The public awaits further developments as the case moves forward in court.
