Metro Boomin is facing a civil lawsuit from Vanessa LeMaistre, who alleges he exploited her during a 2016 encounter. The case came into public view this week as proceedings formally began in Los Angeles courts.
During opening statements on Tuesday, LeMaistre’s attorneys detailed her account. They asserted that her consumption of Xanax and alcohol at Boomin’s studio left her in a vulnerable state. Boomin has denied the allegations, insisting that the encounter was consensual.
Rapper Young Thug attended the courtroom on Wednesday to show support. Speaking with Rolling Stone journalist Nancy Dillon, he said, “I’m just here to support him. He’s a longtime friend.” His presence underscores the deep personal networks within the hip-hop community, which frequently intersect with professional relationships.
The trial took a contentious turn when LeMaistre’s legal team requested a mistrial. They claimed that Boomin’s attorneys improperly referenced a prior sexual encounter between the parties. LeMaistre has denied any such history. Her lawyers argued in court, “If plaintiff’s counsel was provided fair warning and a hearing was held, the claim that plaintiff engaged in consensual sex with the defendant prior to the sexual assault would have been precluded.” They contended that references to a prior encounter should not have been introduced at all.
Young Thug’s Album and Ongoing Legal Battles
As this legal dispute continues, Young Thug is preparing to release his highly anticipated album, UY Scuti, on September 26. The project marks his first since being released from jail following the YSL RICO case. Furthermore, speculation of a collaboration with YFN Lucci has further heightened anticipation.
Thug is simultaneously facing his own legal challenges. Georgia authorities are appealing a ruling that allowed him to reclaim assets seized during the YSL case. These include cash, luxury vehicles, and a collection of valuable jewelry.
The Metro Boomin case highlights the intricate issues of consent and accountability within the music industry. Beyond the legal arguments, it underscores how the personal and professional lives of high-profile artists are heavily scrutinized. The trial’s outcome may ripple through the broader hip-hop community. It may shape perceptions of conduct, responsibility, and the pressures faced by figures in the public eye.