Plaintiff Alleges 2016 Assault; Metro Boomin Responds with Denial
Metro Boomin, the Grammy-nominated producer known for his work in hip-hop, faces a serious lawsuit alleging sexual battery and assault. The complaint, filed by Vanessa LeMaistre in Los Angeles County Superior Court on October 29, claims that Metro Boomin, whose legal name is Leland Tyler Wayne, assaulted her in 2016, leading to an unwanted pregnancy she ultimately terminated. Wayne’s legal representation has categorically denied the allegations, describing them as an attempted “shakedown.”
According to the court filing, LeMaistre first met Metro Boomin in Las Vegas in the spring of 2016. The two reportedly shared conversations about music and life, which eventually led to their spending time together at his recording studio in California. The complaint notes that LeMaistre, who was dealing with the recent loss of her infant son, gradually grew to feel comfortable around Wayne, considering him a friend.
The alleged incident took place during a studio visit in September 2016. LeMaistre states that she took half a Xanax, which she used to cope with personal trauma, and consumed a shot of alcohol. According to the lawsuit, after drinking the alcohol, she lost consciousness. When she regained awareness, she alleges she found Wayne on top of her and, after losing consciousness again, woke up to find him performing oral sex. Due to her incapacitation, she claims she was unable to consent to these acts.
In the weeks following the alleged assault, LeMaistre discovered she was pregnant. The complaint highlights her emotional turmoil, citing the recent loss of her child and the distressing nature of her pregnancy. The lawsuit explains that she chose to end the pregnancy in November 2016 to protect her mental health, which she felt was in sharp decline.
Metro Boomin’s lawyer, Lawrence C. Hinkle II, responded strongly to the allegations, describing them as an attempt to extort Wayne. “These are false accusations,” Hinkle stated. He further added that Wayne previously refused LeMaistre’s alleged demands for money, declaring that Wayne intends to defend himself vigorously and plans to countersue for malicious prosecution if the case is decided in his favor.
LeMaistre’s legal team, including attorneys Michael J. Willemin, Monica Hincken, Omar H. Bengali, and Robert J. Girard II, also released a statement. They argue that Wayne’s public persona and music often contain content they see as harmful to women. Willemin argued that the accusations reflect more than just artistic expression, insisting that it is time for Metro Boomin to “be held accountable for his actions.” The legal team further claims that Wayne’s actions indicate a pattern that they hope to challenge in court.
Addressing Hinkle’s characterization of the lawsuit as a “shakedown,” Willemin rebuffed the statement as defamatory, stating, “Making defamatory remarks is not going to help Metro Boomin’s cause. We look forward to proving Ms. LeMaistre’s claims in court and ultimately before a jury.”
As the case unfolds, it has stirred a strong response from both sides. With Metro Boomin’s legal team prepared to defend and countersue if victorious, and LeMaistre’s attorneys pressing for accountability, this lawsuit has already become a focal point in discussions about power and accountability in the music industry.
