Metro Boomin has enlisted a psychologist to examine possible inconsistencies in the testimony of the woman accusing him of rape.
With the producer’s civil sexual assault trial set to begin this month, court documents obtained by Complex reveal that Metro’s legal team has brought in Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, widely recognized as “one of the nation’s leading experts on memory.” Loftus has testified in over 300 cases, including high-profile ones involving Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart, and Rodney King.
The judge requested details of Loftus’ background and potential testimony ahead of the final pre-trial conference, scheduled for Monday (September 8). She is expected to weigh in on alleged memory issues tied to the plaintiff, Vanessa LeMaistre, who claims Metro, born Leland Wayne, raped her in 2016 during a studio session. LeMaistre alleged that Metro gave her Xanax and alcohol while she was grieving the loss of her nine-month-old son. She further claimed the incident led to a terminated pregnancy and accused the producer of referencing her abortion in his 2017 track “Rap Saved Me.” Metro has denied the allegations, insisted their encounter was consensual, and labeled the lawsuit “a pure shakedown.”
Loftus’ testimony will focus on how trauma, stress, and the passage of time can affect memory. “Based upon my review, it is my professional opinion that there are significant memory issues in the current case,” she stated in her analysis, pointing out that LeMaistre allegedly pursued continued contact with Metro after the alleged assault and wrote in her journal about wanting to spend time with him. She also highlighted that months after participating in an ayahuasca ceremony in May 2024, LeMaistre introduced “new memories” into her complaint by that August.
Loftus further noted that LeMaistre attempted to amend parts of her medical records related to her November 2016 abortion, though said more discovery may clarify those actions.
Metro’s defense also hired psychologist April D. Thames, who has conducted over 1,500 psychological assessments. Thames suggested LeMaistre may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). “While individuals may respond to trauma in complex and varied ways, such post-incident contact, particularly characterized by affection or re-engagement, raises legitimate questions regarding the plausibility and internal consistency of her narrative,” Thames wrote.
The trial is scheduled to begin on September 23, 2025.
