Kanye West staffer adds rape to harrasment lawsuit
Lauren Pisciotta claims the controversial rapper used coercion and false promises of career advancement to grope and assault her.
The new allegations came in an amended complaint submitted on Wednesday.
Pisciotta sued West last year for sexual harassment and other workplace violations.
Wednesday's amended complaint for the first time uses the word "rape" to describe the last incident, which allegedly occurred in a San Francisco hotel during writing sessions for West's Donda album in 2021.
"Ye used his body to pin and restrain Ms Pisciotta, restricting her movement and preventing her from leaving the bed," the lawsuit reads.
"Ms Pisciotta froze in shock and fear but continued to plead with Ye and beg him to stop. After some time, Ye ended the rape, apologised, and exited Ms Pisciotta's hotel room."
Pisciotta, who started as West's assistant before being promoted to chief of staff, alleges he lured her into his inner circle with promises that he'd help her music career.
Pisciotta's lawsuit is one of numerous actions West has faced in recent years that accuse him of mistreating employees and engaging in sexual misconduct.
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