Rapper Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, has been ordered to pay his former assistant over $4 million after a California jury found him responsible for sexual assault and holding her captive. The woman, known only as Jane Doe, accused him of violent behavior during her time working for him. This decision came on April 10, four years after she initially filed her lawsuit.
In this first phase of the trial, the jury awarded her just over $4 million in compensatory damages due to the traumatic experiences she claimed to have faced. A second phase will address punitive damages.
Soulja Boy expressed his disbelief over the verdict, stating that he was never criminally charged or convicted related to these allegations. He described the situation as “unfair,” emphasizing that he has not committed the actions he was accused of.
Doe began working for Soulja Boy in December 2018 as his personal assistant, with an agreement for a weekly payment of $500 for various tasks. However, she reported that within a month, he started sending inappropriate pictures, and a brief consensual relationship soon escalated into violence, according to her claims.
The lawsuit includes disturbing accusations, such as instances where he allegedly punched her, causing her to lose consciousness, and an attack in which she feared for her life. Doe also claimed that he locked her in a room without hot water for three days and sexually assaulted her multiple times.
Doe had previously reported these incidents to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in December 2020, but the agency decided not to pursue charges, citing insufficient evidence.
Her attorney stated that they are pleased with the jury’s decision, which validates her claims, and they are looking forward to the next steps in seeking punitive damages for her suffering.
