A Violent Outburst Caught on Video (Image Credits: Flickr)
London – A dramatic intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump’s youngest son from across the Atlantic contributed to the conviction of a 22-year-old Russian man for violently assaulting his ex-girlfriend.[1][2]
A Violent Outburst Caught on Video
On January 18, 2025, the woman connected via FaceTime with Barron Trump, whom she had met on social media. The call captured a brief but shocking scene as Matvei Rumiantsev, her ex-boyfriend, grabbed her by the hair and shoved her to the floor in her east London flat. He punched her repeatedly in the face and shouted that she was “not worth anything,” according to court proceedings.[2]
The footage flipped briefly, showing a shirtless man with dark hair before focusing on the victim crying and speaking in Russian. The entire disturbing exchange lasted only five to seven seconds. Police later arrived at the scene, where the woman confirmed her friendship with Barron Trump, the son of Donald Trump.[1]
The Desperate Transatlantic Plea for Help
Barron Trump, then 18 and traveling in the United States during his father’s inauguration weekend, wasted no time. He dialed the UK’s 999 emergency line and urgently reported the attack. “I’m calling from the US, uh, I just got a call from a girl, you know, she’s getting beat up,” he told the operator.[1][2]
When pressed for details on how he knew the woman, Trump replied, “I don’t think these details matter, she’s getting beat up.” The operator described his tone as rude amid the back-and-forth, but officers responded promptly and arrested Rumiantsev. Trump followed up with an email providing the address and more context on what he observed.[3]
Charges, Acquittals, and Guilty Verdicts
The case proceeded to trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Rumiantsev faced multiple accusations stemming from incidents between November 2024 and January 2025. Prosecutors highlighted his jealousy over the woman’s friendship with Barron Trump, fueled perhaps by the latter’s public profile.[1]
The jury delivered mixed outcomes after deliberation. Rumiantsev admitted partial jealousy in testimony, stating the woman was “frankly leading him [Trump] on.” He also received a conviction for perverting the course of justice after sending her a letter from prison urging her to drop the allegations.
| Charge | Date | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Rape and assault | November 2024 | Not guilty |
| Rape and intentional strangulation | January 18, 2025 | Not guilty |
| Assault occasioning actual bodily harm | January 18, 2025 | Guilty |
| Perverting the course of justice | Post-arrest | Guilty |
Judicial Guidance on Key Evidence
Justice Joel Bennathan KC instructed jurors to approach Barron Trump’s recorded account with caution. Since Trump did not testify under oath or face cross-examination, the judge noted potential biases from his friendship with the victim. “You can rely on it, but you should be cautious,” he advised, urging no over-reliance on it for conviction.[2]
Despite this, the evidence proved sufficient alongside other testimony. Rumiantsev, a receptionist living in Canary Wharf, denied the full extent of jealousy but acknowledged unease over the social media connection. Sentencing remains scheduled for March 27.[3]
Key Takeaways
- Barron Trump’s real-time report from the U.S. prompted a swift UK police response.
- Jealousy over an online friendship emerged as a central motive in the assault.
- The jury weighed hearsay evidence carefully, leading to convictions on core charges.
This cross-border case underscores the impact of digital connections in modern crimes and the value of immediate action in emergencies. Sentencing will determine Rumiantsev’s punishment, but justice has prevailed on key counts. What do you think about the role of video calls in such interventions? Tell us in the comments.
