British rapper and social media personality Yung Filly is set to face a retrial in Australia over three unresolved charges alleging sexual penetration without consent. The decision follows an eight-day trial in Perth, where a jury was unable to reach the required majority verdicts on the three remaining rape allegations.
The entertainer, whose real name is Andrés Felipe Valencia Barrientos, learned on Friday that prosecutors would seek a second trial. The allegations relate to an encounter with a 20-year-old woman at a Perth hotel in September 2024, following one of his performances during his Australian tour.
Jury Reaches Mixed Verdicts in First Trial
During the original proceedings at the District Court of Western Australia, Barrientos faced several charges connected to the alleged incident.
The jury found him guilty of two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm. The convictions related to allegations that he bit the woman, causing injuries. At the same time, he was found not guilty of three rape charges and a charge involving choking.
However, jurors could not reach the required majority decision on three additional charges of sexual penetration without consent. Those unresolved charges are now the subject of the planned retrial.
Barrientos has denied the allegations against him.
Prosecutors Plan Second Trial
Prosecutor Danielle Clarke told Judge Linda Black that the alleged victim is prepared to give evidence again during a retrial. The judge has also asked lawyers for both sides to consider whether the case should be heard by a new judge and whether the next proceedings should involve a jury or take place before a judge alone.
No date has yet been fixed for the retrial. The case is expected to return to court for further procedural discussions, including matters concerning the proceedings and Barrientos’ bail.
The alleged victim cannot legally be identified. Prosecutors have previously alleged that the woman initially consented to sexual activity but later withdrew that consent because she feared for her safety.
Yung Filly Remains on Bail
Barrientos has remained on bail since being charged in connection with the 2024 incident. He was arrested in Brisbane after completing performances in Australia and was subsequently brought to Western Australia to face the allegations.
His sentencing for the two assault convictions will take place after the retrial concludes. Until then, the three unresolved rape charges remain before the Western Australian courts.
