Perth, Australia | June 21, 2025 – British
internet personality and rapper Yung Filly, whose meteoric rise through YouTube
fame catapulted him to mainstream television, now faces a deepening legal
crisis after being charged with two additional counts of sexual assault in
Western Australia. The new allegations significantly escalate the legal jeopardy
for the star, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos.
Expanded
Charges in Serious Case
Barrientos appeared solemnly in Perth
District Court on Friday as prosecutors filed court documents revealing two new
counts of sexual
penetration without consent. These charges relate to the same
alleged incident on September 28, 2024, that forms the basis of his existing
indictments. The fresh charges bring the total number of serious sexual
offenses against him to six, alongside previously pleaded charges including
assault occasioning bodily harm and strangulation. No plea was entered for the
new counts during Friday’s hearing.
This development marks a critical
escalation in a case that has been building for months. Barrientos was
initially charged in October 2024 after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman
in her 20s within his hotel room following a performance at a venue in
Hillarys, a coastal suburb of Perth. He has been on conditional bail since that
arrest, navigating strict reporting requirements while maintaining his public
profile.
A
Pattern of Legal Troubles
The sexual assault allegations are not
Barrientos' only encounter with Australian authorities during his 2024 tour.
Court records confirm he pleaded guilty on December 5, 2024, to a charge of
reckless driving. This stemmed from an incident on November 17, 2024, where
police allegedly clocked him driving at over 155 km/h (96 mph) on Roe Highway
near High Wycombe – a dangerous speed significantly exceeding the limit on the
busy Perth arterial road.
This prior
conviction paints a picture of concerning behavior during his Australian tour,
separate from the core sexual assault case. Legal analysts suggest the reckless
driving admission could potentially influence sentencing considerations should
he be convicted on the more serious charges.
The
Core Allegations: A Timeline
The gravity of the situation centers on
events of September 28, 2024. Prosecutors allege Barrientos sexually assaulted
the young woman without consent following his performance. The initial charges
laid in October 2024 included:
·
Three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm
·
One count of strangulation (a serious offense under Australian
law)
·
Four counts of sexual penetration without consent
Friday's
addition of two further counts
of sexual penetration without consent suggests prosecutors have either
uncovered new evidence or are pursuing a more granular legal strategy based on
the existing allegations. The decision not to enter pleas for the new charges
is standard procedure, allowing his defense team time to review the specifics.
Barrientos, 30, rose to prominence
as a charismatic member of the hugely popular YouTube collective Beta Squad,
known for their comedy challenges and collaborations. His infectious energy
translated to mainstream success in the UK. He became a recognizable face
through appearances like the celebrity edition of The Great British Bake Off on
Channel 4 and as a presenter for BBC Three, hosting shows including Hot Property and Snackmasters. His
fanbase, cultivated over years of online content, now watches his career hang
in the balance.
The
Long Road to Trial
The legal process is set to be
protracted. A significant 10-day trial is scheduled to commence on July 20,
2026 – over a year from now. This lengthy delay highlights the complexity of
the case and the backlog often experienced within court systems. The trial will
be a pivotal moment, determining Barrientos' freedom and future.
The implications of conviction are
severe. In Western Australia, the charges of sexual penetration without consent
carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment, though sentences vary based on
circumstances. Strangulation and assault occasioning bodily harm also carry
significant custodial sentences. The sheer number and severity of charges
underscore the potentially career-ending and life-altering stakes for the
entertainer.
Presumption
of Innocence and Public Scrutiny
It remains crucial to emphasize that
Barrientos has pleaded not guilty to the initial suite of charges and maintains
the presumption of innocence regarding the new allegations until proven guilty
beyond a reasonable doubt in court. His legal team will vigorously defend him
against all counts.
Nevertheless, the accumulation of
charges casts a long shadow. The case has drawn significant media attention in
both Australia and the UK, fueled by Barrientos' celebrity status and the
disturbing nature of the allegations. His online presence has notably
diminished since the initial charges surfaced in late 2024. The Beta Squad
channel has continued without him, and his involvement in upcoming BBC or
Channel 4 projects appears highly uncertain.
As Yung Filly prepares for a
lengthy legal battle, the case serves as a stark reminder of the serious
consequences facing individuals accused of violent and sexual crimes,
regardless of their public profile. The eyes of fans, legal observers, and the
entertainment industry will remain fixed on Perth as the wheels of justice
slowly turn towards the July 2026 trial date. The outcome will determine not
only Barrientos' personal fate but also serve as a significant moment in the
ongoing conversation about accountability and conduct, particularly for figures
with substantial influence over young audiences cultivated through social media
fame. The path from YouTube stardom to the harsh realities of a criminal
courtroom has rarely looked so precipitous.
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