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Rapper Soulja Boy Found Liable in Sexual Assault and Abuse Case; Jury Awards $4 Million to Former Assistant
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A jury has determined that rapper Soulja Boy is responsible for sexually assaulting, physically abusing, and emotionally distressing a former personal assistant. Following a trial in Los Angeles County, California, jurors awarded the woman $4 million in damages on Thursday. The verdict, delivered in Santa Monica, marks the conclusion of the first phase of the legal proceedings, with a subsequent phase to address potential punitive damages, which could increase the financial penalty.
Jury Verdict Details: Assault, Battery, and Emotional Distress
Soulja Boy, legally known as DeAndre Cortez Way, 34, was found liable by the jury for assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. However, jurors did not find him responsible for false imprisonment or other claims made in the lawsuit.
Plaintiff’s Attorney Statement
Following the verdict, the plaintiff’s attorney, Neama Rahmani, issued a statement declaring, “Today’s verdict represents the beginning of justice for Soulja Boy’s victims, and importantly, for other victims within the music industry.”
Defense Counsel Response
Rickey Ivie, the lead defense attorney, stated that he would reserve comment until the verdict becomes finalized in court.
Soulja Boy’s Previous Denials
Soulja Boy has previously denied all accusations through court filings related to the case.
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Details of the Allegations
The lawsuit, filed in 2021 by the woman who remained unnamed, detailed the alleged abuse. Consistent with standard practice, The Associated Press typically does not identify individuals who claim to be victims of sexual assault.
Employment and Abuse Allegations
According to the lawsuit, the woman began working for Soulja Boy in 2018. She claimed he agreed to pay her $500 per week for household duties, including cleaning and cooking, along with other personal tasks. She alleges that she was never compensated for her work.
The lawsuit further states that their relationship evolved into a romantic one. Shortly thereafter, she alleges the rapper initiated a pattern of abuse, including rape, physical attacks such as kicking and punching, and threats of violence and death.
Relationship Dynamics and Continued Abuse
The plaintiff stated in her lawsuit that she believed she was in love with Soulja Boy, and that he manipulated her into remaining in the relationship until 2020, despite the recurring acts of violence. The lawsuit further claims that she was subjected to additional assault and rape upon returning to his residence to retrieve her belongings after leaving.
Soulja Boy’s Music Career
Soulja Boy, a hip-hop artist from Chicago, gained significant recognition for his 2007 hit single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” The song reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and garnered him a Grammy nomination for best rap song.