A Santa Monica jury has ruled that rapper Soulja Boy, known legally as DeAndre Cortez Way, is responsible for sexually assaulting and abusing a former assistant. The jury awarded the woman $4 million in damages following a trial that lasted three weeks.
The case involved serious allegations, including sexual battery and intentional emotional distress. While Soulja Boy was found liable for these charges, the jury did not find him at fault for false imprisonment or other claims. Following this verdict, the trial has entered a second phase that could lead to higher punitive damages against the rapper.
The woman, who remains unnamed due to privacy regulations, began working for Soulja Boy in 2018, with an agreement to be paid $500 weekly for various personal tasks. However, she alleged that she never received any payment. According to her lawsuit, what started as a romantic relationship quickly turned abusive. She claims he subjected her to violent acts, including physical assault and threats.
Representing the plaintiff, attorney Neama Rahmani stated that the verdict is a step toward justice not just for this individual, but for others who may have faced similar situations in the music industry. On the other hand, Soulja Boy’s defense attorney, Rickey Ivie, refrained from commenting until the verdict is completely settled.
Soulja Boy has maintained his innocence regarding the accusations throughout the legal process. The former assistant asserts that she endured this abusive environment for nearly two years, suggesting that manipulation played a role in her staying with him despite the violence she faced.
Soulja Boy is perhaps best known for his hit song “Crank That (Soulja Boy),” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 2007 and earned him a Grammy nomination. The ongoing legal issues raised in this case shed light on troubling dynamics within some parts of the entertainment industry.
