London Court Hears Russian Defendant Upset by Woman's Messages to Barron Trump
A Russian man standing trial in London has told jurors he became upset upon discovering the alleged victim in his case was exchanging messages with Barron Trump, the youngest son of former US President Donald Trump.
Defendant Denies Controlling Behaviour
Matvei Rumiantsev, 22, who lives in London, is facing six charges at Snaresbrook Crown Court including assault, intentional strangulation, perverting the course of justice, and two counts of rape. The alleged offences are said to have occurred between November 2024 and January 2025.
While giving evidence on Thursday, Rumiantsev acknowledged regretting some of his behaviour but firmly denied being controlling. He specifically addressed his reaction to learning about the woman's friendship with the 19-year-old Barron Trump.
Holiday Discovery of Trump Connection
The court heard that Rumiantsev first became aware of the connection during a holiday in October 2024. "She came up to me in the hotel room and she asked me to take a picture of her phone on which there was a chat with Barron Trump," Rumiantsev testified.
"The kind of chat they had didn't allow her to take a screenshot so she came up to me and asked me to take a photograph with the phone."
Argument Over Trump Messages
Jurors were told that on November 3, 2024, an argument erupted at the woman's flat. Rumiantsev admitted damaging her air fryer and dropping her kettle before leaving the apartment. He claimed he later called police because he was concerned for her welfare after receiving messages from her.
In police body-worn footage played to the court, the woman allegedly told officers the incident involved "jealousy, controlling of like who I can be friends with." When asked by his barrister Sasha Wass KC if this referred to Barron Trump, Rumiantsev confirmed it did.
Defendant's Explanation of His Feelings
Rumiantsev, wearing a blue suit and white shirt in the witness box, explained that earlier that evening the alleged victim had shown him her messages with Trump. "I started to explain that I felt upset as well about her talking to Barron Trump," he told the court.
"I was in no way controlling but I was trying to make her know that if she feels unwell seeing messages I had with girls 10 years ago, she could maybe understand how I felt when she was sat there this moment texting someone else."
Apology Message and Phone Incident
The court heard that Rumiantsev later sent the woman a text message in Russian, translated as: "I honestly cannot believe what a f*** up I caused. This is just f****** nuts. I behaved like an arsehole. I'm very ashamed that I grabbed your phone, you started calling him sweetheart, I felt so unwell." When asked who "him" referred to, Rumiantsev said "Barron Trump."
Another incident occurred on January 17-18, 2025, when the pair had been drinking together. Rumiantsev said they had consensual sex twice during this period. He described the woman as being "in a stage of complete breakdown" partly due to alcohol consumption.
"I noticed her phone next to me on the sofa and it was ringing with a Barron Trump face call," Rumiantsev testified. "I don't know what went through my head but I answered yes. At that point I was standing up, I stepped away from her maybe for a couple metres... I answered the call and I immediately put the camera towards her."
He added: "Maybe I thought she would realise that her behaviour was unreasonable, that she wouldn't behave like this in front of someone else."
Charges and Trial Continuation
Matvei Rumiantsev denies all six charges against him:
- Assault
- Actual bodily harm
- Intentional strangulation
- Perverting the course of justice
- Two counts of rape
The alleged offences span from November 1, 2024 to January 23, 2025. The trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court continues as both sides present their evidence to the jury.
