Former MMA Fighter Accused of Jealous Rage Against Barron Trump's Friend
A Russian former mixed martial arts fighter accused of raping a close friend of Barron Trump smashed an air fryer in a fit of jealousy upon hearing the woman refer to the US President's youngest son as 'sweetheart', a London court was told on Friday. Matvei Rumiantsev, 22, is standing trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court in East London, facing multiple serious charges including two counts of rape, intentional strangulation, and perverting the course of justice.
Jealousy Over Persistent Contact
Rumiantsev told jurors it was 'hard for (him) not to be jealous' of Barron Trump's 'persistent' contact with the alleged victim during late 2024 and early 2025. The court heard that the defendant, who was living in a luxury Docklands apartment, denies raping and strangling the woman because he was furious about her communication with the 19-year-old American.
Prosecutor Serena Gates suggested that approximately two months before the alleged rape in January 2025, Rumiantsev had 'violently' destroyed an air fryer after becoming 'upset' about the complainant referring to Barron Trump with affectionate language. 'No', the defendant replied when questioned about this incident, though he later acknowledged feeling upset about the situation.
FaceTime Call That Triggered Alleged Attack
The court heard dramatic details about the night of January 17-18, 2025, when Rumiantsev allegedly 'flew into a rage' after noticing multiple missed calls from Barron Trump on the woman's phone. According to the prosecution, the defendant answered a FaceTime call from the US President's son and proceeded to attack the woman while Barron Trump watched in horror from across the Atlantic.
'I actually became aware throughout the day that she had missed calls from him, because the US is in a different timezone', Rumiantsev told the court. 'She answered none of those calls but he was quite persistent.' The Russian national admitted sharing a bottle of wine with dinner followed by several glasses of whisky and at least one bottle of cognac delivered via Deliveroo that evening, though he claimed he was 'drunk' but not 'very drunk.'
Barron Trump's Emergency Response
Jurors heard that Barron Trump immediately contacted the City of London Police from the United States after witnessing the alleged attack via FaceTime. In a recorded call played to the court, the 19-year-old told an operator: 'I just got a call from a girl I know. She's getting beaten up. It's really an emergency, please.'
The alleged victim has stated that Barron Trump saved her life through his intervention, describing his FaceTime call that night as a 'sign from God.' The US President's son later told Scotland Yard in an email that he had been 'racing with adrenaline' when making the emergency call.
Defendant's Account of Events
Under cross-examination, Rumiantsev offered a different version of events. He claimed the woman had 'lunged towards me to grab the phone' when he answered Barron Trump's call, resulting in her ending up on the floor. The defendant denied kicking her in the torso and rib area, insisting 'that never happened.'
When asked why he answered the FaceTime call during the altercation, Rumiantsev told jurors: 'I was being hit for a long period of time, I was quite fed up with the situation, I was trying to perhaps find a solution.' He denied intentionally hitting the woman in the face during the call or trying to demonstrate his dominance over her to Barron Trump.
Police Interaction and Aftermath
The court heard details of Rumiantsev's arrest later that night, during which he told officers: 'What's the problem? There's no problem.' While in custody, the defendant communicated with both the complainant and a close friend, stating in messages that he realized he 'deserve this' and that this was possibly 'the biggest mistake in my life.'
When questioned about these messages by prosecutor Serena Gates, Rumiantsev claimed his mistake was 'answering the phone call after which she turned completely out of her mind.' He denied being abusive throughout the relationship or losing control of his anger.
Ongoing Trial Proceedings
Matvei Rumiantsev, who is aided by a Russian interpreter despite speaking good English, continues to deny all charges against him:
- Two counts of rape
- Intentional strangulation
- Perverting the course of justice
- Assault
- Actual bodily harm
The former MMA fighter told the court he was 'in no way controlling' but had tried to make the complainant understand how he felt when she was 'sat there this moment texting someone else.' The trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court continues as both prosecution and defense present their cases regarding the dramatic events that allegedly unfolded between a Russian national, a London woman, and the youngest son of the US President.
