Iryna Ivanova Women's Rights Interview

Instagram's Sexiest Influencer, Iryna Ivanova, Slams DJ Khaled with a Lawsuit

After captivating the world as the sexy mysterious star in last summer's massive music video I'm The One, which now has over 1 billion views, Iryna is seeking to be paid what she was contractually promised for staring in the video alongside Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne.

Interview with Iryna Ivanova

Question: Can you tell us what you are alleging against DJ Khaled in the recent lawsuit lodged? What did DJ Khaled promise you? And, what did you receive as payment instead?

Iryna Ivanova: I was promised $1,250 for riding the white horse in, in DJ Khaled's "I'm The One," and they never paid me. I followed up several times, but they literally went radio silent on me. After more than a year passed with no word back, I sued Khaled, not for the tiny amount of money, but out of annoyance that women are constantly taken advantage of in the entertainment business. After they received news of the lawsuit, they contacted me the next morning and paid it plus 10% interest. I wanted to prove that you cannot just write women off, they deserve respect as well.


Question: What was it like working with DJ Khaled on set for I'm The One?

Iryna Ivanova: Incredible. I got hired for the role at 9pm the night before the recording, and I was in LA the next morning at 6am. Khaled's team shot the whole video in one long day at a gigantic estate, it was perfectly organised and everything got done by sundown. My scene was the first one in the morning, I met Khaled and he was super friendly and welcoming to me. At first I shot my scene topless with my boobs bouncing like crazy on the horse, but they decided not to do a topless version and put a bra on me. I really wish they would release the uncensored version someday because I am all about body empowerment!


Question: What was it like working alongside Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, and Lil Wayne?

Iryna Ivanova: What an honor! It was awesome. The shoot took place on a cold day, and Bieber came over to the girls huddled around the space heaters and was worried that we were cold. That was very cute and sweet.


Question: Why is it important for you to encourage other women to stand up in the entertainment industry and seek restitution for what is rightfully theirs?

Iryna Ivanova: I hope that eventually women will be treated with equal respect. We should be able to work and get paid and not be disregarded, just basic stuff. This is why I sued Khaled, to prove my point that I (and women in similar situations) deserve to be paid and treated equally. I'm glad I proved my point and showed them that women will not be silent.

Question: What can your millions of fans expect from you for the rest of the year? Do you have any exciting projects in the works?

Iryna Ivanova: Right now I'm super into Celeb.tv. It's a new platform where I chat one-on-one with my fans every day and post exclusive content that's not available on my Instagram. My profile is at Celeb.tv/playmateiryna, come chat with me!


Interview by Brooke Hunter
Photos Courtesy of Anderson Group PR