Rapper Yung Filly Faces Rape Trial in Western Australia
The District Court of Western Australia heard that 30‑year‑old Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, better known as Yung Filly, claimed the "vibes were good" with the woman he is accused of assaulting during a hotel stay in Perth in September 2024.
Yung Filly took the witness stand on Monday, a week after the start of his trial. He denies the alleged sexual offences and says he merely"fancied" the woman and put a hand on her waist. The defendant is charged with six counts of sexual penetration without consent, three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, and one count of strangulation.
The alleged assault is said to have begun in a hotel room after a performance at a nightclub in Hillarys, a coastal Perth suburb. Yung Filly’s spokesperson says the pair had consensual sex before an incident, but the victim allegedly asked him to cease. It is reported that the musician’s security managed the exchange of the woman’s phone, citing privacy of the individuals involved.
Yung Filly, who has over 1.8 million YouTube subscribers and millions across TikTok and Instagram, has been on bail since his arrest. He was granted bail to travel back to the UK in September, but returned to Western Australia ahead of the trial.
The case highlights broader societal issues surrounding safety in nightclub and concert venues. It also resonates with indigenous communities where similar events have sparked discussions on respect, consent and protective measures during gatherings and tours.
