La Roux Backs Model’s Claims That Kanye West Choked and Gagged Her on Video Set
March 11, 2026 — British singer La Roux has publicly sided with a model who alleges that rapper and producer Kanye West physically assaulted her during the filming of a music video over a decade ago, calling the incident “horrific” in newly submitted court documents.
The lawsuit, originally filed in November 2024, centers on an alleged incident during the 2010 shoot for a remix of La Roux’s song “In for the Kill.” Model Jennifer An, a former contestant on America’s Next Top Model, claims that West choked her and forcibly gagged her with his fingers while yelling “This is art … I am like Picasso,” before recording the scene on camera.
New Statements Corroborate Allegations
In court filings this week, An’s legal team attached affidavits and evidence intended to bolster her claims. Among the documents are excerpts from Instagram messages between An and La Roux (Elly Jackson), in which Jackson says she “could never forget” the incident when An reached out to her after the alleged assault. Jackson’s statement reflects vivid memory of the moment and suggests emotional support for An’s account.
La Roux also expressed concern that footage from the set “should never be used or seen,” citing her discomfort at the thought of the model’s family and friends witnessing it. The singer’s support represents a highly publicized validation from a major artist involved with the project.
In addition to the messages, the newly submitted materials include testimony from a makeup artist who was present during the shoot. That witness described West’s actions — including placing his fingers in An’s mouth — as unexpected and not part of the original production plan, with other crew members reportedly too intimidated to intervene at the time.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
An’s lawsuit, filed under New York City’s Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act, alleges multiple forms of physical and emotional injury stemming from the 2010 music video incident. She is seeking punitive damages, legal costs and compensation for physical and emotional distress, citing long‑term effects from the alleged assault.
The suit also names Universal Music Group (UMG) and affiliated labels, alleging they failed to protect models and employees on set and that industry pressure allowed West’s conduct to go unchecked. Lawyers for An argue that record labels and other executives ignored the incident, enabling the singer to continue working without consequence.
A Pattern of Legal Challenges
This lawsuit is one of several ongoing legal battles involving West — who legally goes by Ye — including other civil claims related to allegations of discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct from employees and associates.
Representatives for West and the music label have not publicly responded to requests for comment on the newly filed affidavits or La Roux’s statements.
Broader Industry Reaction
The case has reignited debate in the music and entertainment world about power dynamics on set and performer accountability, particularly in instances where high‑profile artists collaborate with lesser‑known professionals.
Supporters of An say the singer’s testimony helps corroborate elements of her claim and could shift public focus toward industry safeguards for models and performers. Critics caution that legal remedies are complex and highlight the challenges of pursuing civil cases many years after alleged incidents.
As the lawsuit proceeds, the filings and public statements add a new chapter to an ongoing legal controversy involving one of the music industry’s most prominent — and polarizing — figures.
