SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A California jury delivered a verdict on Thursday, holding rapper Soulja Boy, legally known as DeAndre Cortez Way, liable for the sexual assault and both physical and emotional abuse of his former assistant, who was consequently awarded $4 million in damages. The trial, which spanned three weeks in Santa Monica, is now advancing to a second phase where additional punitive damages may be considered, potentially increasing the compensation awarded.
The lawsuit against the 34-year-old artist included severe accusations beyond those affirmed by the Los Angeles County jurors, though he was not found liable for charges of false imprisonment among other allegations.
The plaintiff, whose identity has remained undisclosed in alignment with protections typically afforded to victims of sexual abuse, initiated the legal challenge against Soulja Boy in 2021, detailing a disturbing set of behaviors dating back to her employment under him starting in 2018. Originally hired for domestic tasks with an agreed wage of $500 weekly—which she claims was never paid—their relationship evolved, descending into an alarming pattern of abuse.
According to the legal filings, shortly after their relationship took a romantic turn, Soulja Boy subjected her to multiple incidents of physical violence and sexual abuse, including kicking, punching, rape, and life-threatening threats. The lawsuit detailed how he exerted psychological control, coercing her to remain in the abusive situation by exploiting her emotional attachment until she eventually left in 2020. Tragically, upon returning months later to collect her belongings, she was attacked and raped again.
Neama Rahmani, the attorney representing the plaintiff, expressed that the jury’s decision marks merely the start of obtaining justice for the victims of Soulja Boy and echoes a broader issue within the music industry. Meanwhile, Soulja Boy’s leading defense lawyer, Rickey Ivie, reserved his comments pending the final verdict.
Prior to these accusations, Soulja Boy was celebrated in the music world, renowned for his 2007 hit “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him a Grammy nomination for the best rap song. Despite his professional achievements, his legal entanglements now paint a starkly different portrait, one that could potentially influence his career and public image moving forward.
This unfolding case highlights ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of individuals within the entertainment industry, emphasizing the necessity for accountability and the rigorous pursuit of justice for victims of abuse. As this legal battle continues, it serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced in combating and addressing misconduct in high-profile spheres.
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