Grammy-winning producer Metro Boomin, born Leland Wayne, is headed to federal court this fall after settlement negotiations fell through in a civil rape lawsuit that has loomed over the hitmaker for more than a year.
The Los Angeles federal trial is scheduled to begin September 23, following an unsuccessful mediation session with a retired judge last month.
The case was filed by Vanessa LeMaistre in 2024, alleging that Metro assaulted her in 2016, a claim that has sparked widespread conversation in the music and entertainment industry.
The Allegations: Assault and Pregnancy
According to LeMaistre, she met Metro in Las Vegas in the spring of 2016, shortly after the tragic loss of her nine-month-old son. She says the two bonded over music as a source of emotional healing.
Several months later, in September 2016, LeMaistre claims Metro invited her to his California recording studio. She alleges she consumed a shot of alcohol and half a Xanax before losing consciousness.
Upon waking, she claims she was paralyzed and unable to speak as Metro allegedly raped her. LeMaistre states the encounter resulted in a pregnancy, which she terminated in November 2016.
Court filings have also tied the alleged incident to “Rap Saved Me,” a track Metro produced for the 2017 Without Warning project featuring Offset, 21 Savage, and Quavo. The chorus — “She took a Xanny, then she fainted… She drive me crazy, have my baby” — is cited by the plaintiff as a lyrical nod to the assault. Metro, however, did not write or perform the verse and strongly denies any connection to the allegations.
Metro Boomin Denies All Claims
Metro’s legal team has dismissed the allegations as fabricated years after the fact, claiming they surfaced following LeMaistre’s reported use of ayahuasca.
Attorney Lawrence Hinkle characterized the lawsuit as a “pure shakedown,” insisting Metro refused to comply with what he calls extortion demands. In filings, the defense accuses LeMaistre of attempting to obtain millions through litigation, asserting that the encounter was consensual.
“The allegations are not only false, they are part of a scheme to financially exploit my client,” Hinkle said in court documents.
Plaintiff Pushes Back Against Defense Claims
LeMaistre’s attorney, Michael Willemin, disputes the narrative of extortion. He accused Metro’s team of stalling discovery and emphasized that they plan to present a full, robust case to the jury.
“Our client will provide a detailed account of the events and supporting evidence. This case is about accountability, not money,” Willemin told reporters.
Industry Eyes on the High-Profile Case
With settlement talks off the table, the trial promises to be intense and highly scrutinized, placing Metro Boomin in the spotlight for allegations that could significantly impact his career trajectory and public image.
The hip-hop community is watching closely, as the case blends music industry influence, legal drama, and personal allegations, raising conversations about consent, accountability, and how celebrity culture intersects with the law.
Whether Metro Boomin can defend his reputation or the plaintiff secures justice, this trial is poised to be a defining moment in hip-hop legal history.
Stay tuned to The Pop Radar for updates on Metro Boomin’s trial, courtroom developments, and exclusive reactions from the music world.
