Kanye West is facing renewed legal heat after his own explicit tweets were cited by the attorney representing Lauren Pisciotta, a former assistant who has accused the rapper of sexual harassment and assault, with her lawyer saying he’s eager to question West under oath and present the case to a jury.
Attorney Arick Fudali, who represents Pisciotta, told Complex that West’s social media posts are unlike anything he’s seen in his legal career.
“I have never, in my entire career of representing alleged victims, seen a defendant tweet out admissions to the case in the middle of litigation and discovery,” Fudali said. “This is absolutely a new one.”
Fudali then read off a list of West’s posts, many of which contain graphic and offensive language. Among them: “I used to f### employees in my office.” “That employee—p#### hits different.” “I need the whole office c## proof.” “Life is about using your position to f### the baddest b#### possible.” “Wait. How many n-words found they wife at work? I’m just saying.” “I’m a walking Me Too.” “Grab a b#### by the p####.” “I’m a big-time perv.”
Attorney Stunned By Kanye West’s Claims: “A First For Me”
Fudali continued, “I represent cases against a lot of volatile, unpredictable, high profile individuals who are not afraid to say things. I’ve never seen anything like this: where the defendant is admitting that he’s sexually harasses his employees, while I represent a former employee accusing him of sexual harassment. That is certainly a first for me.”
He added, “As much as I look forward to deposing him, I also very much look forward to trying this case in front of a jury. With only just this evidence, there’s enough at this point.”
Pisciotta, who previously worked as West’s assistant, filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment, wrongful termination, breach of contract and gender discrimination.
Fudali said she has gone into hiding due to the backlash and threats she’s received since coming forward.
“Lauren, as I’ve said in public before, is basically in hiding. She is very afraid of Mr. West and Mr. West’s circle and Mr. West’s supporters. She’s received an enormous amount of online backlash and ridicule and hatred,” Fudali said. “Really ugly, gross stuff. So she literally is currently in hiding, and I can’t reveal even the vicinity of where she lives. That’s how serious it is for her right now.”
Fudali also confirmed that a second amended complaint is forthcoming. “Our intention is to, in the immediate future, file a second amended complaint, which will update the allegations and charges and claims.”
West previously denied all allegations.