British YouTuber Yung Filly, whose real name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, has found himself in a serious legal predicament after appearing in an Australian court.
The 29-year-old is facing allegations of raping a woman in her twenties following a performance at Bar1 Nightclub in Perth on September 28.
Legal Developments
The court has ordered Barrientos to remain in Australia until December for further hearings regarding the charges.
He was initially scheduled to return to the UK to participate in a music event in Essex on October 25, but that appearance was abruptly canceled following news of his arrest.
The planned ‘freshers’ takeover music night at Trilogy Nightclub in Colchester was set to feature Barrientos alongside other special guests.
However, a spokesperson for the venue confirmed to MailOnline that the event was canceled earlier today, stating, “We cancelled the event this morning as soon as we heard of his arrest. Ticket buyers will be issued refunds by the promoter.”
Serious Allegations
Barrientos is facing multiple charges, including four counts of sexual penetration without consent, three counts of assault, and one count of applying pressure to a person’s neck, impeding normal breathing or circulation.
During a hearing at Perth Magistrates Court, police prosecutor Julius Depetro argued against granting Barrientos bail, citing a strong prosecution case backed by CCTV and photographic evidence.
Depetro expressed concerns that the high-profile nature of Barrientos’ fame might lead to him fleeing the country.
“This has already made headlines,” he remarked, emphasizing the potential challenges of ensuring his return to face the charges.
Evidence Presented
The prosecutor presented photographs to the magistrate, which were not shown in court, claiming they related directly to the issue of consent.
He stated, “No ordinary person can consent in those circumstances,” adding that there was a concerning history of violent acts depicted in the images, which he argued indicated that the situation was far beyond what could be deemed consensual.
In Barrientos’ defense, attorney Seamus Rafferty argued that if bail was denied, his client could face up to two years in Hakea prison, a notorious facility in Perth.
He also contested the prosecution’s request to prevent Barrientos from posting on social media, labeling such a restriction as “entirely unrealistic” in today’s digital age.
Bail Conditions
Ultimately, Barrientos was granted bail under several strict conditions.
He is prohibited from contacting his alleged victim or discussing the case on social media.
Furthermore, he must remain in Western Australia, report to police daily, and post a personal cash surety of $100,000 (£52,000).
Rise to Fame
Yung Filly is one of many content creators who have successfully built a following through online platforms, generating income from video ad revenue and brand partnerships.
His journey began after leaving school with four GCSEs and briefly working as a broker before turning to comedy skits, which led to TV presenting roles and a burgeoning music career.
Born in Colombia in 1995, Barrientos and his family fled their homeland during a brutal civil war, eventually settling in Lewisham, southeast London.
Reflecting on his upbringing, he shared with Amazon Prime in 2020, “I’m most proud of the fact that I was a refugee. It makes you appreciate all the little stuff a lot more.”
Raised solely by his mother, Maria, he later supported her financially due to his success.
He left school at 17 to work as a broker, sharing in an interview that he earned substantial amounts but regretted not providing for his mother at that time.
The YouTube Breakthrough
Barrientos joined YouTube in November 2013 after a video about his ex went viral.
He gained popularity for creating comedy skits and conducting candid Q&A sessions with the public.
His collaborations with The Wall of Comedy group and his music career, featuring singles like Take Time, La Paila, and Mucho Mas, further established his presence in the entertainment industry.
His on-screen charisma led to opportunities with BBC Three, where he hosted shows like Hot Property and Don’t Scream.
He also worked with popular rappers Chip and Aitch on various singles. Most recently, he released a new track, Tempted, just before embarking on his Australia tour.
Looking Ahead
With ongoing legal battles ahead, many are left wondering how this situation will impact Yung Filly’s career and future endeavors.
Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!