Jennifer An Submits New Evidence in Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Kanye West
Jennifer An, a former finalist on America's Next Top Model, has submitted new affidavits and exhibits to support her sexual assault lawsuit against Kanye West. The lawsuit, filed in November 2024 under New York City’s Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act, stems from an alleged incident in September 2010 during a music video shoot.
Lawsuit Background
Jennifer An filed a sexual assault lawsuit against Kanye West in November 2024, citing New York City’s Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act. The lawsuit alleges an incident occurred in September 2010 during the filming of a La Roux music video remix. An claims West singled her out, and then allegedly choked her, smeared her makeup, and "rammed several fingers down her throat" while cameras were rolling.
She also claims West stated, "This is art. This is fucking art. I am like Picasso" during the alleged event.
New Evidence Filed
The new filings were submitted to corroborate An's claims and respond to a motion to dismiss filed by West's legal team in January. The submitted documents include:
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Alleged Instagram Exchanges: Messages from 2024 with La Roux (Elly Jackson), who reportedly remembered the incident. Jackson is quoted as stating it was "horrific" and that she had requested the footage never be used. She also reportedly recalled West threatening her in some way concerning public comments about the event and her career in the past.
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Witness Statement from Liz Martins: A signed statement from makeup artist Liz Martins, who was on set during the alleged incident. Martins stated she observed West "forcefully put his fingers down [An’s] mouth and told her to, ‘Suck on them.’" She further stated that this action was not part of the script. Martins noted that individuals on set appeared shocked, nervous, and hesitant to intervene due to West's perceived influence, and An was observed crying afterward.
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Private Investigation Reports: Reports from a third-party firm that reportedly located other crew members who recalled West placing his fingers in An's mouth.
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Affirmation from Michelle An: Michelle An, who was also on set but is unrelated to the plaintiff, provided an affirmation. She stated she did not directly observe West placing his fingers inside Jennifer An's mouth or around her neck from her vantage point, but recalled seeing West standing over the model and moving his thumb across the outside of her mouth.
Legal Arguments
In January, West's legal team filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit. They argued that West's actions, occurring "in the course of producing expressive" art, should be protected by free-speech considerations. An's lawyers have opposed this motion, asserting that the alleged sexual assault was not protected artistic expression and that the submitted evidence supports proceeding with the claims.
Other Legal Matters Involving West
Kanye West is currently involved in a separate civil lawsuit from a former worker at his Malibu residence. He also faces another sexual assault lawsuit filed in 2024 by his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta. West denies Pisciotta's claims.