Metro Boomin Cleared of Civil Sexual Assault Charges: ‘I’m Blessed’

## Metro Boomin Gains Victory in Sexual Assault Trial

Jurors delivered a significant verdict in favor of hip-hop producer Metro Boomin during his civil sexual assault trial held in Los Angeles on Thursday. After approximately an hour of deliberation, the eight-member panel unanimously concluded that plaintiff Vanessa LeMaistre did not substantiate her claims that the acclaimed artist, born Leland T. Wayne, raped her at a Southern California hotel in 2016. Wayne was found not liable across all four allegations.

## Legal Statements Following the Verdict

LeMaistre chose not to comment post-verdict. However, her lead attorney, Michael J. Willemin, declared that they would continue to pursue motions for a mistrial based on various alleged errors during the proceedings. Willemin emphasized that this is not the conclusion of the case, stating, “We’ll be pursuing those motions and eventually an appeal.”

A male juror remarked on the lack of evidence, stating, “A lot of it was just testimony or talking about it. There were no substantial ‘This is what happened’ claims.”

## Allegations Made by LeMaistre

In her lawsuit filed last October, LeMaistre contended that she “blacked out” after consuming Xanax and alcohol provided by Wayne during a recording-session visit. She alleged she woke up in a hotel room while Wayne was having sex with her.

During his testimony, Wayne firmly denied the allegations, asserting that there was “no way in the world” he assaulted her. He claimed their sexual encounter was consensual and noted that he first heard about LeMaistre’s accusations nine years later.

## Evidence Presented in Court

Throughout the trial, which spanned three days, jurors reviewed a handwritten note from LeMaistre written in 2024 during a trip to Peru. The note outlined her intention to disclose details about her allegations against Metro Boomin and included a request for financial damages of 3.4 to 3.7 million. Her defense claimed the notes were “disturbing” and lacked credibility.

During closing arguments, Willemin highlighted LeMaistre’s difficult background, stating she has endured significant trauma, including the loss of her infant son. He added, “But that doesn’t mean she wasn’t sexually assaulted.”

## Testimonies from Both Sides

LeMaistre testified over two days, representing her side alone. She discussed her mental health struggles following the alleged assault and how it impacted her life. She indicated that this traumatic event haunted her for years, stating, “I haven’t been able to have any healthy relationships. I want to get married one day.”

Wayne, now 32, described the accusations as “preposterous,” asserting their encounters were consensual and dismissing her claims as unfounded.

## Challenges During Cross-Examination

LeMaistre faced intense questioning from Wayne’s attorney, Justin H. Sanders, who challenged her handwritten notes regarding the requested damages. Under scrutiny, she mentioned that those figures were derived from her Ayahuasca experience.

### Closing Arguments and Final Observations

In his closing remarks, Willemin pointed out the compelling coincidence of a song produced by Wayne that seemed to echo LeMaistre’s allegations. However, Wayne denied writing the lyrics or suggesting them to his collaborators.

Ultimately, Sanders urged the jurors to consider the evidence critically. He expressed skepticism regarding LeMaistre being the only witness to her claims, emphasizing the absence of corroborating testimony or medical records that would support her narrative.

In a courtroom filled with jurors, the case pivoted on conflicting testimonies and memories. Both sides presented their arguments passionately, leaving the outcome in the hands of the jury.

What do you think about the outcome of this high-profile trial?