Metro Boomin Trial Set Amid Failed Settlement Talks

Hip-hop producer faces rape allegations from 2015 incident; mediation unsuccessful

Efforts to settle accusations of rape against hip-hop producer Metro Boomin have collapsed, paving the way for a trial to commence next month. The allegations stem from an alleged incident that occurred nine years ago in a Beverly Hills hotel.

Mediation Breakdown

A joint status report filed in federal court in Los Angeles revealed that a mediation session held with a judge on July 18 failed to resolve the litigation. “The parties mediated in good faith. However, the litigation did not resolve,” the filing stated, adding that subsequent limited settlement discussions also proved unsuccessful.

Allegations Surface

Metro Boomin, whose real name is Leland Wayne, is now scheduled to go to trial on September 23. The plaintiff, Vanessa LeMaistre, filed her lawsuit last October. She accuses the Grammy-nominated producer of sexual assault after they had become friends. LeMaistre alleges Wayne invited her to his studio on multiple occasions, offering a space to listen to music and process the recent death of her infant son.

Details of the Alleged Assault

According to the lawsuit, LeMaistre claims she consumed half a Xanax that night and was given a shot of alcohol at the studio. She states she fell asleep on a couch and later awoke in a different location, where Wayne allegedly raped her. The suit contends that Wayne later informed her they were at a hotel in Beverly Hills, and a chauffeur-driven SUV transported her back to the studio where her car was parked.

“At no point during this encounter was Ms. LeMaistre able to consent to any sexual activity, and Wayne’s conduct without question constituted rape and sexual assault,” the lawsuit claims. LeMaistre subsequently discovered she was pregnant and underwent an abortion.

Song Lyrics Parallel Accusations

The lawsuit also points to lyrics from Wayne‘s 2017 song “Rap Saved Me,” asserting they mirror aspects of the alleged events. The lyrics cited include: “She took a Xanny, then she fainted. I’m from the gutter, ain’t no changing. From the gutter, rap saved me. She drive me crazy, have my baby.”

Plaintiff’s Lawyer Vows to Seek Accountability

LeMaistre‘s attorney, Michael J. Willemin, expressed his client’s eagerness to present the case to a jury. He stated, “When we first filed this case, Mr. Wayne’s lawyers predictably claimed that the allegations were false and that he would ‘defend himself in court.’ Since then, as outlined in our recent motion, Mr. Wayne has failed to comply with basic discovery obligations and court orders in an apparent effort to avoid accountability for his actions. Meanwhile, we and Ms. LeMaistre have pushed the case forward aggressively, and, because of that, we are headed towards trial on September 23, 2025. We look forward to holding Mr. Wayne accountable in front of a jury of his peers.”

Defense’s Previous Statements

Wayne‘s legal team has not yet responded to a request for comment. His attorney, Lawrence Hinkle II, had previously characterized the lawsuit as a “pure shakedown” to TMZ, asserting, “These are false accusations. Mr. Wayne refused to pay her months ago, and he refuses to pay her now. Mr. Wayne will defend himself in court. He will file a claim for malicious prosecution once he prevails.”

Producer Promotes New Mixtape

Amidst the looming trial, Wayne is also promoting his new mixtape, *Futuristic Summa*, released earlier this month. The double album features collaborations with artists such as Future, Young Thug, 21 Savage, Quavo, Lil Baby, T.I., Gucci Mane, and Breskii.