Rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West is facing shocking sexual assault allegations filed in a civil lawsuit filed in New York. The suit accuses the musician of strangling a model during the filming of a music video back in 2010 describing the act as “pornographic gagging.”
The model, who worked as an extra on set, alleges Ye forced her into a hotel suite, strangled her with both hands and made other improper contact, all under the pretext of “art.” According to the lawsuit, Ye said, “This is art. This is f****** art. I am like Picasso.”
The incident reportedly occurred at the Chelsea Hotel during a video shoot where Ye was a guest star. The suit also accuses Universal Music Group, a defendant in the filing, of failing to investigate.
She is claiming damages and has been praised for having the bravery to speak out. The lawsuit comes amid other growing controversies surrounding Ye, putting more scrutiny on the entertainment industry’s response to such allegations.
