Soulja Boy found liable for sexual assault of ex-assistant, ordered to pay $4 million US
A recent jury ruling found rapper Soulja Boy liable for sexually assaulting and physically and emotionally abusing a former assistant, resulting in the woman being awarded over $4 million US in damages. The decision was made after a three-week trial in Santa Monica, California, where the 34-year-old musician, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was deemed responsible for assault, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Although he was not found liable for false imprisonment and other accusations, the jury determined that the victim should receive approximately $4 million US in compensatory damages and an additional $250,000 US in punitive damages.
“This verdict marks the first step towards justice for Soulja Boy’s victims and others in the music industry,” stated the plaintiff’s attorney, Neama Rahmani. However, lead defense attorney Rickey Ivie expressed disagreement with the verdict, stating, “We maintain that the evidence does not support the verdict. It is unfortunate that aspersions and misperceptions of a culture were allowed to influence the trial. Mr. Way fully intends to pursue his post-trial remedies and to fight for a just result in this case.”
The woman, who remains unnamed in the lawsuit filed in 2021, alleged that she began working for Soulja Boy in 2018 under the agreement of receiving $500 US per week for household chores and personal tasks. However, she claimed she was never compensated and further stated that their professional relationship evolved into a romantic one. Subsequently, she accused Soulja Boy of subjecting her to abuse, including rape, physical assault, threats of violence, and manipulation that led her to remain in the toxic relationship until 2020.
According to the lawsuit, the woman was allegedly assaulted and raped again when she returned to retrieve her belongings months after ending the relationship. Soulja Boy, famous for his 2007 hit single “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned him a Grammy nomination, has not publicly commented on the jury’s ruling.
The harrowing details of this case shed light on the pervasive issue of abuse and exploitation within the music industry. It serves as a reminder of the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and providing support for victims of such heinous acts.
