Model Allege Kanye West Choked Her in Music Video Incident
Model who alleges Kanye West choked – A former America’s Next Top Model contestant has recounted to the BBC that she felt “suffocated and scared” during a claimed choking incident with Kanye West on a music video set in 2010. Jennifer An, then 24, is suing the rapper, now known as Ye, over the alleged event that took place while she was filming La Roux’s hit *In For The Kill* at the Chelsea Hotel in New York. The model’s account, shared with the BBC’s Fame Under Fire podcast, has reignited discussions about West’s behavior and its impact on those around him.
Details of the Music Video Scene
According to An, the incident unfolded unexpectedly. She was hired for the music video after appearing on the reality show in 2009 and arrived at the Chelsea Hotel, unaware that West would be on set. The crew, she claimed, gave no warning before the scene began, and she was simply instructed to sit in a chair. When the music played, West reportedly approached her, grabbed her by the throat, and inserted his fingers into her mouth, mimicking oral sex. An described the moment as “intense and disturbing,” noting the lack of preparation and the crew’s apparent inaction during the ordeal.
“I didn’t know what was gonna happen,” An said in a
quote>. “I was given no direction. I was just told to sit in this chair.”
She recounted the scene as a sudden, aggressive act, with West choking her for several seconds before pulling his hands away. An also mentioned that the crew remained “still and just there, staring at me,” leaving her feeling isolated and vulnerable. The incident, she said, was framed as a dramatic moment, with West later declaring, “This is art, I’m Picasso,” to justify his actions.
Aftermath and Public Reaction
Following the scene, An reported that the crew stayed silent, failing to intervene as the assault continued. West, who had been making a cameo appearance, abruptly left the set after the incident. His lawyers later described the event as an “intense and provocative theatrical performance,” drawing comparisons to the infamous violent scenes in *American Psycho*. However, An described the experience as deeply personal, noting that the physical act left her emotionally shaken.
After the video was filmed, An spoke to La Roux’s real name, Elly Jackson, who apologized for the situation and assured her that the scene would not be aired. An, however, feared her mother might see it, adding a layer of emotional distress to the event. In 2024, she revisited the memory by messaging Jackson on Instagram, confirming the incident. Jackson responded, “I could never forget that, it was horrific,” validating An’s account and showing the lasting impact of the experience.
West’s recent years have been marked by controversy, including his antisemitic remarks and artistic choices such as pro-Hitler merchandise. The incident with An further fueled debates about his public persona, with critics arguing that his behavior reflects a pattern of erratic conduct. Meanwhile, supporters of West have defended his actions, emphasizing his role as an artist and his tendency to use dramatic gestures in his work.
The BBC has reached out to Universal Music Group, La Roux’s record label, to clarify the situation and its response to An’s allegations. As the legal case progresses, the music video has become a focal point for discussions about consent, artistic expression, and the intersection of personal behavior with public art. An’s testimony highlights the tension between creative vision and the personal impact of such actions, raising questions about how such moments are perceived and remembered in the media.
