A Russian man has been found guilty of assault occasioning actual bodily harm after Donald Trump's son told UK police he had seen a woman being beaten up on a video call.
Barron Trump, 19, contacted officers while in the US, explaining that his friend had been attacked by Matvei Rumiantsev in London in January 2025. The trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court revealed that Rumiantsev, 22, was jealous of the woman's friendship with Trump.
Rumiantsev, who lived in Canary Wharf, east London, was convicted of perverting the course of justice as well. While he was acquitted of charges relating to rape and intentional strangulation, the trial showcased the dynamics of jealousy and control at play in the incident.
Prosecutors highlighted that Trump’s call to the police was made promptly after witnessing the incident, providing crucial evidence to officers. According to a transcript of the call, Trump stated, I'm calling from the US, uh I just got a call from a girl, you know, she's getting beat up. He indicated that the woman was being assaulted when he connected via video.
The court learned that Rumiantsev and the victim had been drinking together before the assault occurred, during which Rumiantsev allegedly struck the woman in the face. Though he denied the charges, he conceded to a degree of jealousy regarding Trump's involvement in the woman's life.
Judge Mr. Justice Bennathan KC warned the jury not to rely solely on Trump’s account, stressing the importance of corroborating evidence. The prosecution made a strong case that painted Rumiantsev as not only aggressive but manipulative, particularly in attempts to interfere with the pursuit of justice. The conviction for perverting the court of justice came after Rumiantsev wrote to the victim from prison, urging her to withdraw her allegations.
This case illustrates how high-profile individuals can influence criminal investigations and highlights the complexities of personal relationships amid serious legal concerns.
