La Roux Supports Model Alleging Kanye West Choked Her on Video Set
A model, Jennifer An, has intensified her legal battle against Kanye West, asserting that he sexually assaulted her during a music video shoot in 2010. An, a finalist from America’s Next Top Model in 2009, filed a lawsuit under New York City’s Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act in November 2024.
Kanye West Alleged Assault on Jennifer An
The incident occurred while filming a remix of La Roux’s song “In for the Kill.” According to her claims, West singled her out by saying, “Give me the Asian girl,” and then choked her while allegedly simulating a sexual act by forcing his fingers into her throat. An described the experience as humiliating and degrading.
La Roux’s Involvement
La Roux, whose real name is Elly Jackson, has provided new evidence supporting An’s claims. In Instagram messages, Jackson revealed that she recalls the choking incident, describing it as “horrific,” and expressed her regret over what happened to An. She also stated that she had previously mentioned the event publicly, but felt it was not her story to tell.
- Incident Date: September 2010
- Model’s Name: Jennifer An
- La Roux’s Real Name: Elly Jackson
- Lawsuit Filing: November 2024
Supporting Testimonies and Evidence
Recent affidavits submitted by An’s legal team include corroborating evidence. A makeup artist present during the shoot, Liz Martins, provided a signed statement confirming that she saw West force his fingers into An’s mouth, stating, “This sexual assault was not a part of the script.”
Another witness, Michelle An, while not directly observing the choking, mentioned seeing West hover over Jennifer An and move his thumb near her mouth. An’s lawyers argue that this evidence supports the necessity for the claims to proceed in court.
Kanye West’s Legal Response
In January 2024, West’s legal team filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, suggesting his actions were part of artistic expression. This defense has been challenged by An’s attorneys, who assert that sexual assault cannot be protected under the guise of artistic freedom. They emphasize that their exhibits reflect substantial corroborating evidence.
Ongoing Legal Troubles for Kanye West
Kanye West is currently grappling with additional legal issues, including a civil trial from a former worker and a separate sexual assault lawsuit from his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta. West has denied all allegations against him.
