UK rapper and YouTube sensation, Yung Filly, has been arrested and charged with rape and assault during his tour in Australia. The 29-year-old artist, born Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, appeared in Perth Magistrates Court facing three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm, four counts of sexual penetration without consent, and one count of impeding another person’s breathing by applying neck pressure.
The alleged incidents occurred following Yung Filly’s performance at the nightclub Bar120 on 27 September, with the assault reportedly taking place in a Perth hotel room the following day. He was taken into custody in Brisbane and extradited to Perth, where he is currently held in custody. Represented by Perth barrister Seamus Rafferty SC, Yung Filly’s bail application was opposed by police prosecutor Julius Depetro, who presented photos of the woman’s injuries as evidence.
Authorities argue that the nature of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the incident indicate a lack of consent. The Independent has reached out to Yung Filly’s UK representative for comment on the situation. Yung Filly, originally from Cali, Colombia, gained fame in the UK for his music releases and YouTube content. He garnered a significant following through his channel, boasting 1.4 million subscribers and around 120 million views since its inception in 2013.
Some of his notable works include collaborations with artists like Chunkz, Geko, Chip, and Aitch. Aside from his music career, he has also ventured into hosting shows such as Yung Filly’s Celeb Lock-in and Hot Property on the BBC. Additionally, he made an appearance on Channel 4’s The Great Celebrity Bake Off in 2022. Yung Filly has shown support for charitable causes by participating in events like Soccer Aid in 2020.
For support related to rape and sexual abuse, organizations like Rape Crisis in the UK and Rainn in the US offer assistance through helplines and resources. Yung Filly’s arrest in Australia has sparked discussions and concerns among fans and the public, awaiting further developments in the ongoing legal proceedings.