UK Rapper Yung Filly Acquitted of Rape Allegations in Australia
UK rapper Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, has been found not guilty of raping a fan after performing at a nightclub in Australia in 2024. The jury in Western Australia found him not guilty of three counts of sexual penetration without consent, but guilty of two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm.
Guilty Verdicts Amid Not Guilty Rulings
Barrientos was found guilty for two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, but acquitted of three other counts of rape. The jury could not come to a decision on these three counts, leaving prosecutors to decide on the next steps.
Trial Evidence and Testimony
During the trial, Barrientos told the court that he had “fancied” the woman when they met at the concert venue. He denied touching her inappropriately, claiming he had only put his hand on her waist. However, the court heard that the pair had engaged in consensual sex in his hotel room before Barrientos turned violent and the young woman told him to stop.
Prosecution and Defence Arguments
Prosecutor Danielle Clarke described Barrientos as an “entitled” man with a “moderate degree of fame” who had violated the fan “in the most intrusive way possible”. Barrientos' defence lawyer argued that the accuser’s evidence was full of “inconsistencies, embellishments and outright lies”. The defence claimed that the security guard had taken the woman's phone away to protect their privacy, as per standard practice.
Celebrity Social Media Star's Reputation
Barrientos is known for his work with the YouTube collective Beta Squad, and has appeared in the celebrity version of Bake Off on Channel 4 and presented BBC Three shows. He has a significant following online, with 1.8 million YouTube subscribers, 3 million followers on TikTok, and 2.4 million on Instagram.
Next Steps and Sentencing
Barrientos will remain on bail until 21 August, when the court will decide his sentencing date. Prosecutors will also decide on the next steps for the three hung jury verdicts, whether to press ahead or not on those rape charges. The outcome of this decision could have significant implications for the case and its outcome.
The acquittal of Yung Filly highlights the complexities of celebrity culture and the intersection of fame and personal relationships. As a social media star with a significant following, Barrientos' actions have been closely scrutinized by the public and the media. The case serves as a reminder of the need for consent and respect in all interactions, particularly in situations where power dynamics are at play.
Source: Joy Online
