Model Accuses Kanye West of Choking Her During 2010 Music Video Shoot

Sat Jun 13 2026 12:58:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A former 'America's Next Top Model' contestant claims she was choked by Kanye West on set, sparking a lawsuit and questions over consent and artistic boundaries.

Jennifer An, a former top model, alleges that Kanye West choked and inappropriately touched her during a 2010 music video shoot for La Roux’s ‘In For The Kill’. She claims the encounter left her feeling suffocated and terrified, and she has since filed a civil lawsuit under New York City’s Gender‑Motivated Violence Protection Act. West’s lawyers argue the actions were part of an artistic performance and that An did not object. The case remains unresolved, with legal arguments over First Amendment protections and the definition of consent in creative spaces.

Model accuses Kanye West of choking and assaulting her on a 2010 music video set

Jennifer An, who first appeared on the US reality series *America’s Next Top Model*, said she was left feeling "suffocated and scared" after Kanye West choked her on the set of La Roux’s music video for *In For The Kill*.

The alleged encounter

The shooting took place in 2010 at the Chelsea Hotel in New York, where An, who was 24 at the time, had been hired without knowing West would appear. The rapper reportedly entered the set, said the scene was an homage to *American Psycho*, and then allegedly used his hands to choke and stroke An’s face and mouth.

Legal action

An filed a civil suit against West under New York City’s Gender‑Motivated Violence Protection Act, which extends the statute of limitation for sexual‑assault survivors. West’s lawyers requested dismissal, citing First Amendment rights and the claim that An was a consenting performer in a theatrical performance.

Reactions and ongoing debate

The case highlights the tension between artistic expression and consent. An’s lawyer warned that allowing artists to act “however they want in creative spaces” could set dangerous precedents.

While West’s representatives have yet to respond, the lawsuit remains pending, and the court will ultimately decide whether the alleged on‑set actions constitute assault or artistic performance.