Metro Boomin denied allegations of sexual assault in a Los Angeles federal courtroom Wednesday (September 24) during emotional testimony in a civil trial stemming from a 2016 incident involving a woman he met in Las Vegas.
“Absolutely not,” the 32-year-old producer, born Leland T. Wayne, told jurors when asked if he had raped plaintiff Vanessa LeMaistre, according to Rolling Stone. When asked again minutes later, he doubled down: “No way in the world.”
The Grammy-nominated beatmaker, known for collaborations with Future, Young Thug and 21 Savage, took the stand in downtown Los Angeles and called the accusations “preposterous.” He said he had been waiting for the chance to speak publicly about the case.
“I’ve been thinking about this day for a year,” Metro said while being questioned by his attorney, Lawrence Hinkle. “I really don’t know where to start. This is crazy. I can’t even believe I’m up here doing this right now.”
Metro Boomin Accuser Details Alleged Assault
LeMaistre, who was 30 at the time of the alleged assault, claims Metro Boomin drugged and raped her at a hotel after they met in Las Vegas. She testified that he handed her a drink that caused her to “black out” before allegedly assaulting her without a condom.
Metro rejected the entire account, insisting he always used protection and pointing to his relationship at the time.
“Even at that time, my high school sweetheart and I were still using condoms,” he said. “There was no way this girl I just met in Las Vegas, that I had unprotected sex with her.”
The producer also spoke about his personal views on sexual violence, shaped by the loss of his mother to domestic abuse.
“I believe people who do stuff like that should be tortured and killed,” he told the court.
LeMaistre completed her testimony earlier in the day, telling jurors the alleged assault and the recent death of her newborn child were “the two, by far, worst things I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
The defense brought in clinical psychologist Dr. April Thames, who testified that LeMaistre had been diagnosed with “borderline personality disorder with psychotic features” following a review of her medical history and a clinical evaluation.
Young Thug, a longtime friend and collaborator of Metro Boomin, was present in court to support him. “I’m just here to support him,” the rapper told reporters during a break. “He’s a longtime friend.”
Both parties rested their cases Wednesday afternoon. Closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday (September 25).
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