YouTube personality Yung Filly has been charged with rape, sexual assault, and assault following an alleged incident involving a woman in Perth, Australia. The 29-year-old British artist, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, was arrested in Brisbane during his Australian tour and subsequently transferred to Perth for a court hearing. The alleged assault took place at his hotel in Perth on September 28, following a performance at Bar1 Nightclub in Hillarys the night before.
With a huge online presence boasting 1.8 million YouTube subscribers and 3.3 million Instagram followers, Yung Filly is a popular figure in the social media world. The Western Australia Police’s sexual assault squad has charged him with four counts of sexual penetration without consent, three counts of assault, and one count of impeding breathing by applying pressure to the neck. His plea for bail was delayed until a later hearing at Perth Magistrates Court.
Yung Filly’s defence is being led by Perth barrister Seamus Rafferty SC, who expressed concerns about the impact of social media on the case, noting the power dynamics at play. Videos of the rapper’s performance at Bar1 Nightclub were circulated on platforms like TikTok, showcasing the enthusiastic crowd. Images of the woman’s injuries were also presented in court, with the prosecution arguing that the nature of the injuries suggested non-consensual acts.
In court, it was revealed that Yung Filly earns a substantial annual income of $700,000AUD (£360,000) solely from his social media platforms. Known for his collaborations with the Sidemen and appearances on shows like The Great Celebrity Bake Off and BBC’s Hot Property, the artist has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry. He started his online journey in 2013 before venturing into music in 2017.
As the legal proceedings continue, Yung Filly’s case has garnered significant attention both in Australia and abroad. His future in the industry remains uncertain as the charges against him are examined in court. If you’ve been affected by sexual assault, support and resources are available at www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999. Stay connected with the latest news by signing up for our daily newsletter.