Metro Boomin is fighting back against serious allegations as his civil rape trial officially began in Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 24. The Grammy-winning producer, best known for shaping the sound of modern hip-hop, appeared in court alongside his attorneys and bodyguard as jury selection got underway.
The case stems from claims made by Vanessa LeMaistre, who alleges that Metro (real name Leland Tyler Wayne) raped her in 2016. According to court filings, LeMaistre says she turned to him for comfort while grieving the loss of her nine-month-old son. She testified that he gave her half a Xanax pill along with alcohol before she lost consciousness, later waking up to him assaulting her.
LeMaistre further testified that she became pregnant and eventually had an abortion, believing Metro was the father. She also suggested that lyrics on his 2017 track “Rap Saved Me” referenced her ordeal. Metro has consistently denied the allegations since they first surfaced.
Opening Statements Set Tone For Contentious Trial
Tensions were high in the courtroom on day one. Judge R. Gary Klausner acknowledged the charged atmosphere before the start of jury selection. In his opening statement, attorney Michael J. Willemin, representing LeMaistre, told jurors: “He knew that she was unable of consenting.”
Metro’s lawyer, Lawrence C. Hinkle II, painted a different picture, calling the plaintiff “flat broke” and “a woman scorned.” He argued that her claims stem from revenge after their communication ended, insisting: “It wasn’t about sexual assault, it was about her wanting a relationship with him.” Hinkle also said Metro himself would testify during the trial, adding: “He has nothing to hide.”
LeMaistre’s Emotional Testimony
Taking the stand, LeMaistre described the effects of mixing Xanax and alcohol as similar to “anesthesia.” She told the court she felt dizzy the next day and even searched the hotel trash for a condom, leaving in a state of shock and confusion.
She admitted that at the time, she didn’t even recognize what had happened as rape. “I truly thought that rape was what you see on TV,” she said.
LeMaistre added that it wasn’t until an ayahuasca experience in 2024 that she began connecting the trauma she carried with the alleged assault. “It completely shattered my self-esteem,” she told jurors, describing years of emotional damage.
What’s Next
The trial continues Wednesday morning, with proceedings expected to stretch over several weeks. Both sides are preparing to present witnesses, with Metro Boomin expected to testify in his own defense. The case is being closely watched, not only for its potential outcome but also for the broader conversations it raises about consent, celebrity, and accountability in the music industry.
