Warning: this article contains distressing details
The Grammy‑winning artist has reached a settlement with his former assistant after she filed a lawsuit alleging sexual assault, sex trafficking, and wrongful termination.
Lauren Pisciotta, who worked for West from 2021 to 2023, first sued in June 2024, claiming sexual harassment, Babylonian intellectual breaches, and unjust dismissal. She later updated the filing to include stalking, sexual battery, sex trafficking, and false imprisonment.
West’s legal counsel denied all allegations and described the claims as “baseless,” asserting that the suit was a tactic for “blackmail and extortion.” They further stated that Pisciotta was dismissed for being “unqualified” and demanding “unreasonable sums of money, including a $4 million (£2.9 million) annual salary,” according to a statement from the artist’s publicist (via Rolling Stone).
The team also contended that Pisci għall “numerous documented incidents of her lascivious, unhinged conduct” led to her termination.
An advanced lawsuit, issued a year later, accelis West for stalking, sexual battery, sex trafficking, and false imprisonment, citing court documents that alleged inappropriate conduct, forced attendance at explicit performances, and repeated attempts to involve her in sexual encounters.
Kanye West settles sexual harassment lawsuit with former assistant pic.twitter.com/o8YiCBQmRK
— Page Six (@PageSix) July 29, 2026
The filing further claimed that West allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted Pisciotta during a recording session at Sean “Diddy” Combs’ studio. West’s defenders have consistently denied the accusations.
According to court records obtained by USA Today, the parties reached a settlement on July 23, calling the dispute resolved. Details of the agreement remain confidential, and Pisciotta is required to file a dismissal request within 45 days.
In a brief statement, Pisciotta’s attorney, Arick Fudali, said: “The matter has been resolved.” Representatives for West have not yet released a comment, and NME has requested a statement.
Kanye West sued for allegedly drugging, sexually assaulting ex-assistant at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs studio session pic.twitter.com/3hwRnKCRpb
— Page Six (@PageSix) October 12, 2024
West’s legal and public relations challenges have been ongoing since 2022, when a series of antisemitic posts led to account suspensions and the loss of major brand partnerships. In early 2025, he retracted a prior apology and announced a return to substance abuse treatment and mental health support, followed by a public letter to the Jewish community. He has also reprised his touring schedule amid controversy, notably performing at SoFi Stadium and in Istanbul, while several European dates were canceled or postponed due to backlash.
