A disturbing lawsuit has been filed in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that Metro Boomin, a renowned music producer, committed rape against a 38-year-old woman, Vanessa LeMaistre, in 2016. According to LeMaistre, she became friends with Metro Boomin, whose legal name is Leland Wayne, after the death of her nine-month-old son. The lawsuit claims that LeMaistre blacked out while visiting Wayne in a recording studio months later and awoke to find him raping her on a bed. The alleged attack occurred after LeMaistre had been given a shot of alcohol and taken half a bar of Xanax, rendering her unable to move or make a sound.
LeMaistre claims that she became pregnant as a result of the attack, which she terminated soon after. The lawsuit seeks damages for sexual battery and gender violence, and LeMaistre has publicly identified herself through her lawyers. Metro Boomin’s lawyer, Lawrence Hinkle, has denied the allegations, calling them “false” and a “pure shakedown” aimed at extorting money from the producer. Hinkle claims that Wayne refused to pay LeMaistre months ago and continues to refuse, stating that Wayne will defend himself in court and file a claim for malicious prosecution once he prevails.
Metro Boomin (Image via Getty)
The lawsuit provides a grim account of the alleged encounter, with LeMaistre waking up on a bed to find Wayne raping her and being unable to move or make a sound. The suit also claims that LeMaistre was in and out of consciousness for an unknown amount of time but eventually awoke to find Wayne performing oral sex on her. According to the lawsuit, there is no question that the child conceived during the alleged attack was Wayne’s, as LeMaistre terminated the pregnancy shortly after.
Metro Boomin is a Grammy-nominated producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B, including artists such as Future, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd. His credits include curating the soundtrack for Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse and co-producing most of the songs on the album. The allegations against him have left fans and colleagues reeling, and the music industry is waiting with bated breath to see how this scandal will play out in court.
In an era where the #MeToo movement has brought attention to the scourge of sexual harassment and assault, cases like this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and the devastating impact that such behaviors can have on victims. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is crucial that both parties be given a fair and thorough investigation, and that justice is served for all involved.
