Kanye West is facing serious accusations from his former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, who has filed a lawsuit claiming the rapper drugged and sexually assaulted her during a studio session he co-hosted with Sean “Diddy” Combs. Pisciotta’s amended complaint, obtained by PEOPLE, alleges that West committed “sexual battery” after giving her a drink laced with an unknown drug.
The lawsuit, filed on October 8 in Los Angeles County Court, stems from Pisciotta’s previous wrongful termination case against West. She initially accused him of sending explicit texts, pornographic images, and making inappropriate phone calls before firing her. Pisciotta worked for West from 2021 to 2022, assisting on his Yeezy fashion line and his 2021 album, Donda.
Pisciotta, 36, claims the alleged assault occurred at a studio session in Santa Monica, California, where West and Combs were co-hosting an event. “Drinks were served to those in attendance, followed by an announcement that everyone had to drink if they wanted to stay,” her complaint details. Pisciotta alleges that after taking a few sips of a drink given to her by a studio assistant, she felt disoriented and lost control over her body and speech.
“As plaintiff began to slip into an altered state, she felt less in control of her body, and her memories of the night faded,” the complaint reads. Pisciotta says she woke up the next day feeling physically ill and embarrassed, unsure of what had happened. Years later, she claims West casually mentioned that they “hooked up” that night, leaving her “overcome with immense shame and disgust.”
A lawyer for West, 47, has not yet responded to the new allegations, but in June 2024, a legal representative denied Pisciotta’s initial claims, asserting that “Ye will be filing a lawsuit against Ms. Pisciotta.”
Pisciotta’s amended complaint also describes another disturbing incident in July 2021, during an album workshop at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco. West allegedly forced his way into her hotel room at 6 a.m., claiming he needed to use her shower. Pisciotta says West later exposed himself and tried to thrust his naked body onto her, ignoring her pleas to stop. He eventually left, saying “sorry” and acting as if nothing had happened.
Pisciotta also claims that West’s inappropriate behavior continued throughout her time as his Chief of Staff. She alleges that he sent her lewd messages and eventually fired her in September 2022, just a month after promoting her.
The lawsuit adds to the mounting legal battles West is currently facing. In April 2024, a former employee filed a separate lawsuit accusing the rapper of severe discrimination and harassment while working for West’s Yeezy brand and at Donda Academy.
