Young Thug supports Metro Boomin during Los Angeles civil sexual assault trial
Young Thug is one of contemporary hip-hop’s most famous figures. Photo: File
Young Thug appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom this week to support Metro Boomin as the producer faces a civil sexual assault lawsuit filed by Vanessa LeMaistre. The trial, which began Tuesday (Sept. 23) with opening statements, centers on allegations that Metro, whose real name is Leland Wayne, engaged in nonconsensual sexual activity with LeMaistre in 2016.
Young Thug seen at court in LA to support Metro Boomin in his civil sexual assault trial pic.twitter.com/eBPl6YVEXN
According to Rolling Stone’s Nancy Dillon, Young Thug said his presence was simply to back a close friend: “I’m just here to support him. He’s a longtime friend.”
LeMaistre alleges she had consumed Xanax and alcohol at Metro’s studio before losing consciousness and later awakening to find herself assaulted. Metro Boomin has denied the claims, maintaining that the encounter was consensual.
Court proceedings quickly grew contentious. Attorneys for LeMaistre requested a mistrial after Metro’s legal team referenced a supposed prior sexual history between the plaintiff and the producer, something LeMaistre disputes. According to Billboard, her attorneys argued that such claims should not have been raised without judicial approval, noting that the plaintiff was deprived of the chance to properly address the matter during opening arguments.
The trial is ongoing, with both sides presenting sharply contrasting narratives: Metro’s team has described the lawsuit as a “celebrity shakedown,” while LeMaistre’s representation, the Wigdor firm, asserts the allegations are credible and warrant accountability.
Young Thug’s courtroom appearance comes just days before the scheduled release of his new album, UY Scuti, on Friday (Sept. 26). The project will be his first full-length release since regaining his freedom in the YSL RICO case in 2024.
Meanwhile, the rapper continues to face legal challenges of his own. As reported by Billboard, Georgia prosecutors recently filed an appeal seeking to reverse a ruling that allowed Thug to reclaim seized property, including cash, luxury cars, and jewelry.