By Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News UK

Tuesday, 4th June, 2024

17:30PM

Kanye West, the award-winning rapper and fashion designer, is facing a new lawsuit from a former assistant who alleges sexual harassment, breach of contract, and wrongful termination. Lauren Pisciotta, who worked for West for two years, filed the lawsuit on Monday according to TMZ. The allegations have been further reported by Rolling Stone, The Wrap, and US Weekly.

The BBC has yet to independently verify the filing, but according to US media reports, Pisciotta alleges West sent her inappropriate text messages and engaged in indecent acts while on the phone with her. She also claims she was fired in 2022 and never received a promised severance package of $3 million.

From Only Fans Model to Personal Assistant

Pisciotta’s lawsuit details her experience working for West. According to the documents, she was primarily supporting herself through an Only Fans account in 2021 when she met West Who Is Lauren Pisciotta? Kanye West’s Ex-Assistant Suing Him For Sexual Harassment, Forbes. West allegedly hired her to work on the first season of his Yeezy women’s fashion line, and they even collaborated on a few tracks from his Donda album (though she is not credited).

West then hired Pisciotta as his personal assistant, offering a high annual salary with the expectation of 24/7 availability, a demand she agreed to according to the lawsuit.

A Change in Demeanor and Alleged Harassment

The lawsuit paints a picture of a working relationship that initially tolerated her Only Fans work, but then soured dramatically. Pisciotta alleges that in 2022, West’s behavior shifted. He reportedly demanded she close her Only Fans account, even offering an additional $1 million to do so. After she complied, she claims West bombarded her with explicit texts and videos. The lawsuit details even more disturbing allegations, including claims that West masturbated while on the phone with her and even exposed himself on his private plane.

Promotion, Termination, and Unpaid Severance

Despite the alleged harassment, Pisciotta says she was promoted to Chief of Staff for West’s various companies in September 2022. However, the lawsuit claims she was abruptly fired shortly thereafter and never received the promised severance package.

Not the First Controversy

This lawsuit adds to a string of controversies surrounding Kanye West in recent years. In November 2022, multiple Yeezy employees told Rolling Stone that West had behaved inappropriately during work meetings, including showing pornography Kanye West accused of showing staff pornography and of ‘cult-like’ behavior, Rolling Stone [invalid URL removed]. West has also faced lawsuits for racial discrimination and copyright infringement.

West’s Career Trajectory

Despite his immense talent and past success, West’s career has been tarnished by recent controversies. His lucrative Adidas contract was terminated in November 2022 due to anti-Semitic remarks, but he did manage a commercial comeback earlier this year with the hit single “Carnival” and its parent album “Vultures.”

Looking Ahead

Whether these new allegations will further impact West’s career remains to be seen. It’s important to note that these are just accusations at this point, and West has yet to respond to them publicly.