Nude model suing New York over arrest

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NEW YORK, June 19 (UPI) -- A New York model's lawsuit against the city asserts police incorrectly arrested her when she was having her nude body painted at Times Square.

Zoe West, 22, who was having her nude body painted by artist Andy Golub Aug. 30 on the corner of Broadway and West 44th Street, said police should not have arrested her because city laws allow for artistic public nudity, the New York Post reported Tuesday.

"It is not illegal to be naked in New York as long as you are doing it for the purpose of a play, exhibition, performance or show," said West's attorney, Ron Kuby.

No charges were filed following West's arrest and she was released about 2 hours later.

"We had made arrangements to ensure that Ms. West would not be arrested, but apparently, one of the cops didn't get the memo or didn't care," Kuby said.

Golub, who said he has had previous run-ins with the law during similar projects, said he supports West's lawsuit.

"To me, the clearest thing of all is that she didn't do anything wrong, so why shouldn't she sue?" he said.

The New York Police Department declined to comment.