Model alleges Kanye West choked her, stuck fingers in mouth during 2010 video shoot

West's lawyers do not deny the encounter but argue it was part of an "intense and provocative theatrical performance," intended to emulate a scene from the film 'American Psycho.' They contend An was a "consenting participant" and that West's actions were protected by the First Amendment.

An recounted to the BBC's Fame Under Fire podcast that West took over the set of the La Roux music video for 'In For The Kill' and, after struggling with his lines, directed a new scene where he assaulted her. She stated that she did not resist for fear of losing her job.

La Roux, whose real name is Elly Jackson, later described the incident as "horrific" in Instagram messages to An, which have been submitted to the court. Jackson recalled West whispering to her after the incident, "I bet you think I just put women back about 10 years," to which she responded, "You just put women back about 500 years."

An filed her civil lawsuit in 2024 under New York City's Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act. West's legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that artistic expression should be protected. An's lawyer, Jesse Weinstein, warned that allowing such actions under the guise of art would set a dangerous precedent.