Metro Boomin’s civil rape trial began in Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 24, with the producer present alongside his attorneys and bodyguard. The case stems from allegations brought by Vanessa LeMaistre, who says the Grammy-winning artist assaulted her in 2016.
According to court filings, LeMaistre claims she confided in Metro about the recent death of her nine-month-old son and that he provided her with half a Xanax and alcohol before she lost consciousness. She testified that she awoke to him raping her. Later, she says she had an abortion and believes the pregnancy was his child. She also alleges that his lyrics on “Rap Saved Me” referenced her ordeal. Metro has consistently denied the allegations.
The first day of trial saw strong exchanges between both legal teams. Judge R. Gary Klausner acknowledged tension in the room before jury selection began. In opening statements, attorney Michael J. Willemin, representing LeMaistre, told jurors, “He knew that she was unable of consenting.” On the other side, Metro’s lawyer Lawrence C. Hinkle II described the plaintiff as “flat broke” and “a woman scorned,” claiming she pursued revenge after their communication ended. Hinkle argued, “It wasn’t about sexual assault, it was about her wanting a relationship with him.” He also told the court Metro would testify and had “nothing to hide.”
LeMaistre’s testimony described the effects of Xanax and alcohol as similar to “anesthesia.” She recalled feeling dizzy the next day, searching the hotel trash for a condom, and leaving in a state of confusion. She admitted she once thought rape only involved strangers, explaining, “I truly thought that rape was what you see on TV.”
The plaintiff also said an ayahuasca experience in 2024 led her to believe the incident was the cause of her ongoing trauma. By the end of her testimony, she told the court it had “completely shattered” her self-esteem. Proceedings resume Wednesday at 8:30 a.m.