Model says Kanye West choked her on set: ‘I was terrified’
A model who appeared in a music video shoot has told the BBC that Kanye West choked her until she couldn’t breathe, leaving her feeling ‘suffocated and scared’ during what the rapper now claims was simply theatrical performance art.
The woman, whose identity hasn’t been publicly disclosed, described the January incident in disturbing detail. She says West approached her on set and wrapped both hands around her throat without warning. “I couldn’t get any air in,” she told BBC reporters. “My vision started going dark around the edges. I genuinely thought I might pass out or worse.”
West’s Team Calls It ‘Art’
Representatives for West have pushed back hard against the allegations. They’re framing the entire encounter as part of a deliberately provocative performance meant to challenge artistic boundaries. According to a statement from his legal team, the shoot was designed to be “edgy and confrontational” from the start.
But the model isn’t buying it.
She told the BBC that nobody briefed her on any choking scenes beforehand. There was no discussion of safety protocols or safe words. “If this was supposed to be acting, why didn’t anyone tell me?” she asked. “You can’t just attack someone and call it art after the fact.”
Witnesses Describe Chaotic Scene
Several crew members who were present that day have corroborated parts of her account, though they’ve asked to remain anonymous. One production assistant described the atmosphere as “increasingly tense” throughout the 12-hour shoot. Another said they saw the model visibly shaken and crying in a corner afterward.
Yet West’s camp maintains everything was consensual and pre-planned. They’ve provided contracts showing she signed standard release forms, though the model’s attorney argues these don’t constitute consent for physical assault.
Legal Questions Mount
The incident hasn’t resulted in criminal charges so far. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed they’d received a report but wouldn’t comment on any ongoing investigation.
“These allegations raise serious questions about consent and safety on entertainment sets,” said Sarah Mitchell, a legal expert specializing in entertainment law. “Even if artistic intent was genuine, proper protocols must be followed when physical contact is involved.”
The model says she’s considering civil action but mostly wants to ensure this doesn’t happen to anyone else. She’s calling for industry-wide reforms requiring explicit consent for any physical contact during shoots. West, meanwhile, hasn’t personally commented beyond his team’s statements. The controversy comes as he continues his return to public life after several tumultuous years.
