Lawsuit Alleges Rapper Snake IIz Raped Intoxicated Radio Host in Brooklyn Hotel
A former radio host has filed a civil lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court against New Jersey rapper Keyon Hart, known as Snake IIz, alleging he raped her while she was intoxicated and barely conscious in a Brooklyn hotel room on July 4, 2025. The complaint, filed on September 11, claims the 45-year-old artist ignored the 40-year-old plaintiff's pleas to stop and later attempted to gaslight her by denying the assault occurred. Hart has denied the allegations, calling the accuser a liar, while his attorney declined to comment. The case stems from a professional relationship that began in 2016, with the plaintiff alleging Hart used promises of song collaborations to maintain proximity to her.
Key points
- Domonique Hayes, 40, sued Keyon Hart (Snake IIz), 45, in Manhattan Supreme Court on Sept. 11, 2026, alleging rape on July 4, 2025.
- The alleged incident occurred at a Best Western Hotel in Coney Island after a Fourth of July celebration on the boardwalk.
- Hayes claims she was intoxicated and 'in and out of consciousness' when Hart allegedly forcibly kissed, performed oral sex on, and penetrated her.
- Hart allegedly told Hayes he had a gun and called himself a 'pimp' after the incident, according to the lawsuit.
- Hart denied the claims to the New York Post, stating 'I deny all of it to be completely honest,' and claimed Hayes later expressed regret about the encounter.
- Hayes’s attorney, Lawrence Pearson, stated the case highlights how men use promises of work to exploit women sexually.
Background
This civil action follows a pattern of high-profile lawsuits involving alleged sexual misconduct in New York, including recent cases involving hospitality venues and educational institutions. While the archive notes a separate norovirus lawsuit involving a Brooklyn hotel and a Cornell gang-rape case, those are distinct legal matters. The current case focuses on a private dispute between a media figure and a musician, seeking unspecified damages and compensation for unpaid modeling work.
Why it matters
The lawsuit brings attention to allegations of sexual coercion and gaslighting within the music industry, specifically involving an underground rapper with connections to prominent hip-hop crews. It highlights the legal recourse available to victims who do not report to police, seeking civil damages for both the assault and professional exploitation.
What to watch
The case will proceed through the Manhattan Supreme Court system. Hart’s legal team has not yet responded to the complaint, and the outcome will depend on the presentation of evidence, including the alleged deleted Instagram messages and witness testimony regarding the events of July 4, 2025.
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