Kanye West to counter-sue former assistant over sexual harassment claims

Kanye West says he will counter-sue his ex-assistant after she filed court documents blaming him for physical harassment and violation of contract.

Legal Battle Escalates

Kanye West has announced plans to counter-sue his former assistant Lauren Pisciotta, following her allegations of sexual harassment and breach of contract. Pisciotta’s lawsuit accuses the rapper of sending her vulgar texts and performing sexual acts while on the phone with her.

West’s legal representative has dismissed these claims as “baseless” and accused Pisciotta of “blackmail and extortion” after West allegedly rejected her sexual advances.

Allegations and Counterclaims

Lauren Pisciotta, who worked for West from 2021 to 2022, initially on his fashion line and later as his personal assistant with a salary of $1 million (£780,000) per year, claims that West bombarded her with explicit texts, including pornographic videos.

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She also alleges that he masturbated while talking to her on the phone and once pleasured himself in front of her after trapping her in a private room on his plane.

West’s lawyer has countered these allegations, stating that Pisciotta was terminated for being unqualified and for demanding unreasonable sums of money, including an annual salary of $4 million (£3.13 million).

They further accused Pisciotta of engaging in “lascivious, unhinged conduct” and using sexual coercion to demand money and luxury items, such as designer handbags and a Lamborghini.

The Nature of the Lawsuit

Pisciotta claims she was abruptly fired in 2022 and did not receive her promised severance package.

In response, West’s legal team plans to file a lawsuit against her, asserting that her allegations are part of an attempt to blackmail him for $60 million (£47 million). They maintain that her lawsuit is unfounded and driven by personal vendetta after West rejected her advances.

Public and Legal Reactions

The BBC reached out to Pisciotta for a response, but she did not immediately reply.

However, she posted a message on her Instagram story, stating, “Your soul becomes aligned with freedom when you allow others the liberty to dislike you, judge you and disagree with you.”

This legal battle highlights the contentious and complex nature of employment disputes in the entertainment industry, especially involving high-profile figures like Kanye West. The outcome of these lawsuits will likely hinge on detailed evidence and testimonies from both parties.