A tense scene unfolded in a London courtroom as Matvei Rumiantsev, 22, stands accused of a brutal assault on a woman described as a “very close” friend of Barron Trump. The case centers around a night of violence allegedly witnessed, in part, through the lens of a FaceTime call.
The court heard that Barron Trump, 19, contacted emergency services after observing the alleged attack while on a video call with the woman in the early hours of January 18th. He reportedly saw her “getting beaten up,” prompting a frantic 999 call to UK police.
Jurors were told that Rumiantsev answered a FaceTime call from Mr. Trump and, instead of speaking, turned the camera directly onto the woman’s face before violently grabbing her hair and forcing her to the floor. He reportedly yelled at her, demeaning her with harsh words.
The woman alleges the assault continued with strangulation and physical violence, including kicks to the stomach while she lay helpless on the floor. She described a terrifying ordeal filled with verbal abuse and physical pain.
Rumiantsev, however, offered a different account. He claimed the woman’s phone was incessantly buzzing with calls from Mr. Trump throughout the day. He stated he answered one call, believing it might shock her out of a hysterical state and “unreasonable behaviour.”
During intense cross-examination, prosecutor Serena Gates challenged Rumiantsev’s explanation, suggesting his actions were fueled by anger and jealousy over the woman’s connection with Barron Trump. The prosecutor pressed him on his motives for involving Mr. Trump in the situation.
A video presented in court captured the woman’s desperate cries while Rumiantsev questioned her in Russian, seemingly demanding she “understand” the situation. The prosecution argued this was a deliberate attempt to control and intimidate her.
Ms. Gates directly questioned Rumiantsev about his decision to answer the FaceTime call and turn the camera onto the woman. She accused him of trying to demonstrate dominance, both to Mr. Trump and to the woman herself, asserting a possessive claim.
Rumiantsev vehemently denied attempting to “demonstrate” anything to Mr. Trump, claiming he was merely trying to find a solution to the escalating conflict. He insisted he was the one being attacked, and his actions were defensive.
The prosecution countered, arguing that Rumiantsev was the aggressor, and that he intentionally struck the woman during the FaceTime call, using one hand to hold the phone and the other to inflict violence. Rumiantsev repeatedly denied intentionally hitting her.
Ms. Gates suggested Rumiantsev deliberately prolonged the call, not to seek help, but to physically assert his control over the woman and showcase that control to the person on the other end of the line – Barron Trump. Rumiantsev continued to deny these accusations.
Rumiantsev admitted to potentially grabbing her hair while attempting to bring her back inside, and acknowledged he had prevented her from contacting the police at least once. He attributed his actions to being intoxicated and emotionally exhausted.
He described the evening as emotionally draining, claiming he was “tired of her hysterical behaviour” and not motivated by anger or jealousy. He maintains his innocence, denying all charges of assault, strangulation, perverting justice, and rape.
The trial continues, with jurors now tasked with unraveling the conflicting accounts and determining the truth behind this disturbing incident and the role a presidential son played in bringing it to light.
