British YouTuber and rapper Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, has been charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and physical harm.
The charges stem from an alleged incident that occurred in a hotel room in Perth, Western Australia, following one of his performances on his Australian tour.
The 29-year-old appeared in a Perth court on Thursday, where he faced several charges, including four counts of rape, three counts of assault causing bodily harm, and one count of impeding a woman’s breathing by applying pressure to her neck.
The incident allegedly took place on September 28, after his show at Bar1 Nightclub, a popular venue in the city. According to the police, the victim is a woman in her 20s.
Following his arrest in Brisbane on Tuesday, Barrientos was extradited back to Perth on Wednesday.
The entertainer, who has amassed a following of 1.8 million subscribers on YouTube, was in the midst of a tour across Australia, which began in Perth and included stops in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
The tour was promoted by ticket-selling platform MoshTix, describing his performances as a mix of “spontaneity, humor, and music.”
During his court appearance, prosecutors opposed granting bail, citing a risk of flight. They argued that Barrientos might attempt to flee the state, given the seriousness of the charges.
However, the judge granted bail under strict conditions. Barrientos was ordered to remain within Western Australia and not contact the alleged victim. Furthermore, he must not make any public statements or social media posts regarding the case.
As part of his bail terms, Barrientos was required to surrender his passport and report daily to the police.
His surety was set at 100,000 Australian dollars (approximately $67,400 USD). His defense lawyer, Seamus Rafferty, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.
The allegations against the British entertainer come as a shock to many fans and followers. Born in Colombia, Barrientos moved to the UK and launched his YouTube career in 2013, initially gaining popularity for his comedic content.
He transitioned to music in 2017 and has since become a prominent figure in the UK entertainment scene. His talent and charisma led him to host and appear in several television programs, further boosting his profile.
In 2021, Yung Filly won a MOBO Award, an esteemed British accolade recognizing achievements in “music of Black origin.”
He was honored in the Best Media Personality category, underscoring his influence and versatility in the entertainment industry.
However, the charges in Australia now cast a shadow over his career, potentially affecting his reputation and future opportunities. If convicted, Barrientos could face severe penalties, including significant jail time.
The case has drawn international attention, given his large fan base and public persona.
Legal experts suggest that the strict bail conditions imposed by the court indicate the gravity of the charges.
They also emphasize that the ongoing investigation will be crucial in determining the outcome of the case.
The police are expected to collect evidence from the nightclub and hotel, as well as statements from witnesses, to build their case.
For now, Barrientos’ legal team will likely focus on contesting the charges and ensuring compliance with bail conditions to prevent further complications.
The rapper remains under strict surveillance and any breach of bail terms could result in immediate detention.
The unfolding events have sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some expressing disbelief and others calling for due process. Supporters of Barrientos have taken to social media, voicing their hope for a fair trial and urging others to refrain from passing judgment until all facts are presented.
Australian authorities, meanwhile, remain firm in their stance, with the police spokesperson reiterating their commitment to thoroughly investigate the incident. “The safety of individuals is our top priority, and we take allegations of this nature very seriously,” the spokesperson said.
As the case progresses, the spotlight remains on Yung Filly, with both local and international media monitoring developments closely. For now, the British YouTuber and rapper faces an uncertain future as he navigates the legal system in Australia, far from home and under intense scrutiny.
