A Perth District Court jury has begun hearing the sexual assault trial of British YouTube personality and rapper Yung Filly, whose legal name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, after prosecutors outlined allegations involving a young woman who attended one of his Australian tour events.
Mr Barrientos, 30, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including six counts of sexual penetration without consent, arising from an alleged incident in Perth in September 2024. The proceedings are now before a jury and the allegations remain unproven unless and until determined by the court.
Trial opens in Perth
The case began with prosecutors telling the court the complainant, then aged 20, had gone to a nightclub event at Hillarys Boat Harbour where Mr Barrientos was performing. The court heard she had been a fan of the social media figure, who built a large following through comedy videos, music and online entertainment content in the United Kingdom and internationally.
According to the prosecution opening, the woman was invited into a VIP area at the venue before later travelling to a hotel in Perth’s CBD. Prosecutors told jurors that part of the encounter in the hotel room was consensual, but alleged it later became non-consensual and involved physical force. The complainant cannot be identified for legal reasons.
The court heard allegations that the woman was bitten, struck and held around the neck, and that she later photographed injuries and reported the matter to police. The prosecution also said she attended hospital after the alleged incident. Mr Barrientos denies the charges and is contesting the case.
Complainant gives evidence
On the first day of the trial, the complainant gave evidence by video link from another room. She told the court she had regarded the performer as an idol at the time and had been excited to attend the show. Prosecutors said the case would turn on what happened after the pair left the venue and entered the hotel room.
Because the matter is before a jury, the court will be required to assess the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence. The accused is entitled to the presumption of innocence, and the prosecution must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
High-profile case under scrutiny
The trial has drawn attention because of Mr Barrientos’s public profile. Known professionally as Yung Filly, he has accumulated millions of followers across social media platforms and has appeared in online entertainment formats, music releases and broadcast projects. His audience includes many young people, making the proceedings a matter of public interest beyond Western Australia.
Legal reporting restrictions and standard court safeguards mean the focus remains on the evidence rather than the online reaction surrounding the case. Courts commonly direct jurors to decide matters only on admissible evidence heard in the courtroom, not on commentary, speculation or material published elsewhere.
What happens next
The trial is expected to continue as prosecutors call witnesses and the defence has the opportunity to challenge the allegations. Further evidence may include testimony about the events at the nightclub, the hotel, the complainant’s report to police and any medical or forensic material tendered during the proceedings.
For now, the case remains at an early stage. The jury has heard the prosecution outline but has not yet reached any findings of fact. The court process will determine whether the charges are proven, while the complainant’s identity remains protected and Mr Barrientos continues to deny the allegations.
Source: ABC News reporting from Perth District Court, published 20 July 2026.
