In a courtroom in Perth, Australia, a UK-based YouTuber and rapper known as Yung Filly has acknowledged engaging in reckless driving. This admission follows his ongoing legal troubles concerning accusations of rape filed against him three months prior.
The 29-year-old artist, whose birth name is Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, made a brief appearance at the Perth Magistrates Court. He faced charges for exceeding the speed limit by driving at 158 kilometers (98 miles) per hour in an area where the limit was set at 100 kph (62 mph). In Western Australia, driving over the limit by 45 kph (28 mph) elevates the infraction to reckless driving.
During the proceedings, his defense attorney, Joanne Oliver, stated that Barrientos would officially plead guilty to the reckless driving charge during his next scheduled court date on January 30. The consequences he may face include a maximum nine-month prison sentence, a fine of 6,000 Australian dollars (approximately $3,750), and a driving ban for a minimum of six months.
Looking casual in a white T-shirt and jeans, Barrientos refrained from addressing members of the media as he exited the courtroom and headed to a waiting vehicle.
His initial court appearance related to another serious case occurred in October, where he faced multiple charges linked to the alleged rape and strangulation of a woman in a hotel room after a performance on his nationwide tour.
Born in Colombia, Barrientos, who boasts 1.8 million YouTube followers, was taken into custody in Brisbane before being extradited to Perth. The accusations claim that he assaulted a woman in her 20s in a hotel room following a nightclub performance on September 28, the first event on his Australian tour that was set to include stops in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney before concluding in Brisbane. He was arrested prior to the Brisbane event.
He is facing numerous charges, including four counts of rape, three counts of assault resulting in bodily harm, and a single count of obstructing the victim’s normal breathing or circulation by applying pressure to her neck.
The conditions of his bail stipulate that he must remain in Western Australia during the ongoing legal process.
Barrientos began his career on YouTube back in 2013 and ventured into music starting in 2017. He has also made appearances as a host or participant on various television shows. In 2021, he received a MOBO Award, which recognizes Black-origin music contributions, winning in the Best Media Personality category.