Nude Model Settles Lawsuit With City Stemming From Body-Painting Arrest
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A nude model arrested last summer during a body-painting project in Times Square has settled her lawsuit against the city.
The city has agreed to pay 22-year-old Zoe West a settlement of $15,000.
"It's a great thing," attorney Ron Kuby said. "How often does a naked model get paid $15,000 to drop her suit?"
Kuby said West never should have been arrested, adding that public nudity is legal in the city if it's part of a performance, exhibition or show.
The city's Law Department declined to comment.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan. West alleged she was arrested in violation of her rights while being painted by artist Andy Golub.
West told 1010 WINS she is glad to put the episode behind her.
"With this settlement I sort of can put some money away and have something for the future," West said.
The model said she has mixed feelings about taking part in another nude body-painting photo shoot.
"I don't know if I would do it again," West said. "Although it was a fun experience I don't particularly care for getting arrested a second time."
Golub was also arrested last year and charged with public lewdness for his nude art. A judge dismissed the charges and ruled that Golub must wait until sundown before he can slather fully nude models in paint.
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