A frantic 999 call, originating from the United States, shattered the quiet of a London night. On the line was Barron Trump, the youngest son of the former President, his voice laced with urgency: a friend was in danger, being attacked in real-time during a FaceTime call.
The call connected him to City of London Police, and despite the distance and confusion, Barron desperately relayed the unfolding horror. He’d witnessed an assault, a terrifying scene playing out on his screen, and his immediate concern was for the woman’s safety. He struggled to provide details, repeatedly emphasizing the emergency, his pleas cutting through the procedural questions.
The woman at the center of the ordeal later described the call as a lifeline, a moment of divine intervention that potentially saved her life. She testified that the attack, carried out by Matvei Rumiantsev, a 22-year-old former MMA fighter, was brutal – a violent eruption fueled by jealousy.
Rumiantsev’s rage had been simmering, ignited by the woman’s close friendship with Barron Trump. Jurors heard how his temper “started to boil over” as he observed their connection. The attack itself was filmed, a chilling recording of Rumiantsev shoving, verbally abusing, and kicking the woman while she screamed in terror.
The court learned that Rumiantsev had deliberately answered the FaceTime call, turning the camera to display the assault. He hurled insults, a torrent of abuse intended to humiliate and control. Barron, witnessing the violence, immediately sought help, contacting friends to navigate the complexities of reporting the crime across international borders.
The woman recounted a harrowing ordeal to police, detailing not only the physical assault – slaps, punches, kicks, and strangulation – but also allegations of sexual assault on multiple occasions. She described being deliberately intoxicated to the point of incapacitation. Initially, she withdrew her statement, but later bravely reaffirmed her account, detailing the full extent of Rumiantsev’s abuse.
Rumiantsev claimed the woman’s injuries were inconsistent with her story, portraying himself as a calm and measured individual. He insisted any sexual encounters were consensual. However, the jury found him guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and perverting the course of justice.
The defense attempted to discredit the woman, suggesting she was unreliable and motivated by jealousy, even implying she used her connection with Barron Trump to provoke Rumiantsev. They questioned the clarity of what Barron Trump actually witnessed during the brief FaceTime call.
But the prosecution highlighted the urgency in Barron Trump’s 999 call, emphasizing his genuine concern for his friend. They presented the video evidence, arguing that Rumiantsev’s actions – turning the camera towards the woman during the attack – spoke volumes about his intent to intimidate and control.
Ultimately, the jury sided with the prosecution, recognizing the severity of Rumiantsev’s actions and the courage of the woman who came forward. The case stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of jealousy and the unexpected ways in which lives can become intertwined across continents.
