Image Caption
Image Credit
River Callaway / Contributor via getty Images
Image Description
Metro Boomin at Diversity Hitmakers 2023
Critical Highlights:
- The civil lawsuit centers on a sexual assault allegation against Metro Boomin from an incident in Los Angeles in 2016.
- Vanessa LeMaistre claims she was intoxicated with Xanax and alcohol when the alleged assault occurred at the producer’s studio.
- The case references Ayahuasca, lyrics from artist 21 Savage, and seeks damages totaling $3.7 million.
<
<
The much-discussed sexual assault trial involving Metro Boomin has officially begun. On September 23, the acclaimed music producer appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom to address allegations made by Vanessa LeMaistre, who contends that she awoke to find him assaulting her.
According to LeMaistre’s account, she first encountered Metro (whose real name is Leland Wayne) in Las Vegas back in 2016 and subsequently visited his studio several times in Los Angeles. During these visits, she shared her emotional struggles following the loss of her nine-month-old son. On the night of the alleged incident,LeMaistre recounted taking half a Xanax along with “a few sips” of alcohol while at his studio before falling asleep. She asserts that upon regaining consciousness, she discovered herself on a bed with Metro positioned above her.Following this event, LeMaistre mentioned that one of Metro’s associates drove her back to where her vehicle was parked at the studio. “I always thought rape was something you see on TV—like stranger danger where someone abducts you,” she reflected.
Image Caption
Image Credit:
Taylor Hill / contributor via Getty images
Considering these serious accusations, Metro’s legal representatives have firmly denied any misconduct. His attorney Lawrence Hinkle argued that LeMaistre is driven by financial motives since their last interaction led him to withdraw his attention from her.
“We are here because she believes my client could resolve her financial difficulties,” Hinkle stated during court proceedings. “She fabricated this claim expecting he would simply write a check for it all to go away quietly.” He underscored that Metro is persistent to vindicate himself publicly and intends to testify alongside two expert witnesses as part of his defense strategy.
Vanessa LeMaistre is pursuing damages ranging between $3.4 million and $3.7 million through this lawsuit.
Notably reported by journalist Meghann Cuniff , it appears part of LeMaistre’s approach involves amplifying awareness about this case through social media interactions related both directly or indirectly with both Metro Boomin and rapper 21 Savage.
For context within legal documents submitted by Ms.LeMaiste referenced lyrics from “Rap Saved Me,” performed by London-born artist Savage:
“She took a Xanny than fainted / I’m from the gutter; ain’t no changing / From gutter rap saved me / She drove me crazy; had my baby.”
The trial is anticipated to conclude soon with verdict announcements expected by Friday (September26).