Metro Boomin Enlists Psychologist to Explore ‘Memory Issues’ In Sexual Assault Case

Metro Boomin has hired a psychologist to analyze possible inconsistencies in the testimony of his rape accuser.

With the producer’s civil sexual assault case scheduled to begin this month, according to documents obtained by Complex, psychologist Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, known as “one of the nation’s leading experts on memory,” has been obtained by Metro’s legal team to serve as an expert witness. Over 300 cases have used Dr. Loftus as an expert witness or consultant, including high profile cases involving Michael Jackson, Martha Stewart and the late Rodney King.

Metro’s side shared Loftus’ qualifications and what she is likely to say in testimony because the judge in the case asked for that information in advance of the final pre-trial conference, which will take place on Monday (September 8).

Dr. Loftus is expected to testify about possible issues with the memories of plaintiff Vanessa LeMaistre, who has alleged that Metro, born Leland Wayne, raped her in 2016 during a studio session. LeMaistre claimed that Metro gave her Xanax and alcohol while she confided in him about the death of her nine-month-old son. The woman also claimed that the encounter resulted in a terminated pregnancy and alleged that the producer alluded to her abortion in his 2017 song “Rap Saved Me.” Metro denied writing the lyrics, has maintained that they had consensual intercourse, and called the lawsuit “a pure shakedown.”

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The psychologist will particularly look into how LeMaistre’s recollection was impacted by “psychological factors” such as trauma and high-stress and memory distortion due to passed time.

“Based upon my review, it is my professional opinion that there are significant memory issues in the current case,” Dr. Loftus said in an analysis provided to the court. The psychologist alleged that LeMaistre “pursued a connection” with Metro after the alleged rape and “expressed a desire to spend time” with the producer in her handwritten journal. Months after the plaintiff participated in an ayahuasca ceremony in May of last year, “new memories” were added to her complaint that August.

Loftus also noted that LeMaistre “attempted to amend certain portions of the medical record associated with her November 2016 abortion,” although an explanation may be “revealed by further discovery.”

Also hired as an expert witness is fellow psychologist April D. Thames, who has conducted more than 1,500 psychological assessments in her clinical research. In her opinion about the alleged rape, Dr. Thames offered that LeMaistre may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD), among other mental health ailments.

“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,” the psychologist wrote.

The trial is scheduled to begin on September 23, 2025.