UK YouTuber Yung Filly's rape trial in Perth, Australia, and verdict details

Consensus Summary

UK YouTuber and rapper Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, was found not guilty of three counts of sexual penetration without consent in a Perth court on July 31, 2026, after an eight-day trial. The jury acquitted him of one charge of impeding the woman’s breathing and one count of assault occasioning bodily harm but convicted him of two counts of assault for biting the victim’s neck, cheek, and breast. Three other sexual penetration charges resulted in a hung jury, leaving the possibility of a retrial. The case stems from an alleged assault in September 2024 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Perth’s CBD, where the 20-year-old victim claimed she was raped and violently assaulted after attending a concert at Bar1 in Hillarys.

The incident began when the victim, a long-time fan of Yung Filly, met him in the VIP area of the nightclub and later left with him and his entourage in a minivan. She believed she was going to an afterparty but was taken to his hotel room instead. Prosecutors alleged that after consensual sex, Yung Filly became aggressive, biting her neck, cheek, and breast, slapping her, choking her, and raping her multiple times despite her explicit refusals. The victim suffered severe injuries, including bruises and a bite wound on her right breast that required medical treatment. Yung Filly denied all charges and testified that the 'vibes were good' and the woman was 'enjoying his presence,' describing the bites as 'love bites' involving sucking and tongue movements.

The trial highlighted the stark contrast between Yung Filly’s public persona as a popular YouTuber, musician, and TV presenter—with millions of followers across platforms—and the allegations of violent sexual assault. ABC and the Guardian both reported that Yung Filly admitted to biting the victim but framed it as consensual, while the victim’s testimony painted a far more harrowing picture of coercion and violence. The court heard graphic details, including the victim’s description of being forced to say derogatory phrases and being choked until she feared for her safety. Yung Filly’s defence focused on denying physical contact in the club and claiming the woman’s injuries were not caused by his actions, but the jury ultimately rejected his account on some charges.

While ABC and the Guardian largely agreed on the core facts of the case, including the timeline of events and the victim’s injuries, some differences emerged in emphasis. ABC provided more detail about the victim’s pre-concert excitement, including videos of her discussing her 'celebrity crush' on Yung Filly, while the Guardian focused more on the legal and career consequences for Yung Filly. The Guardian also noted that some of his fans illegally recorded court proceedings and shared them on social media, leading to a judge banning them from the main courtroom. Additionally, ABC reported that a juror was discharged on medical grounds during the trial, a detail not mentioned by the Guardian.

The verdict leaves unresolved questions about the three sexual penetration charges on which the jury could not reach a decision. Yung Filly’s bail has been extended until August 21, 2026, when the court will decide whether a retrial is necessary. Meanwhile, the case has already had a significant impact on Yung Filly’s career, with his appearances on BBC shows and social media following in decline. The trial also underscored the challenges of prosecuting sexual assault cases, particularly when the accused is a public figure with significant influence over public perception. As the legal process continues, the focus remains on whether justice has been served for the victim or if further proceedings will be required.