Metro Boomin Not Liable: Sexual Battery Civil Trial Outcome
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Metro Boomin Found Not liable in Civil Sexual Assault Case
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A Los Angeles jury delivered a verdict in the civil case against hip-hop producer Metro Boomin, finding him not liable on all four causes of action brought by the plaintiff.The trial stemmed from allegations of sexual battery dating back to 2016.
The Allegations and the Trial
Last year, Metro Boomin, whose legal name is Lamar Clifford, was sued by a woman alleging sexual battery during an encounter in 2016. The civil trial, held in Los Angeles County Superior Court, commenced this week, presenting evidence and testimony from both sides. The plaintiff, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, accused Metro Boomin of forcibly sexually assaulting her after a party.
The defense team, led by attorney Joe Tacopina, argued that the encounter was consensual and presented evidence challenging the plaintiff’s account. They focused on inconsistencies in her statements and presented witnesses who testified to seeing the two interacting positively at the party. The jury deliberated for approximately six hours before reaching their unanimous verdict.
The Verdict and Metro Boomin’s Response
On January 26, 2024, the jury found Metro Boomin not liable on all four causes of action: sexual battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and fraud. This means the jury did not find sufficient evidence to support the plaintiff’s claims. The verdict brings an end to the civil lawsuit, but does not preclude potential future legal action.
“I’m grateful and thankful to God that I can finally put all of this nonsense behind me,” Metro Boomin said in a statement shared with Pitchfork. “‘Metro Boomin’ is more than a stage name or family kind brand but a superhero in the eyes of many children and adults around the world. I’m sure I don’t have to put into anymore words on how devastating these false claims must have been to many.”
He continued, “I legally adopted my youngest brother and sister and am active in their lives and at their schools so just imagine what they have been through in a time where almost any kid from the age 9 and up has access to a smart phone or tablet.I’m disappointed in the media for running with these false claims without any proof.”
Understanding Civil vs. Criminal cases
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between civil and criminal cases. This case was a civil lawsuit, meaning the plaintiff sought monetary damages from Metro Boomin. The standard of proof in a civil case is preponderance of the evidence
– meaning it’s more likely than not that the allegations are true. This is a lower standard than in a criminal case, which requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt
.
No criminal charges were ever filed against Metro Boomin in connection with these allegations. A finding of not liable in a civil case does not equate to a declaration of innocence,but rather a determination that the plaintiff did not meet the burden of proof required to win the case.