Soulja Boy Found Liable for Sexual Assault
A Santa Monica jury determined that rapper Soulja Boy, whose legal name is Deandre Way, is liable for sexual assault and abuse, mandating him to compensate his accuser with $4 million in damages. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, had previously filed a $75 million lawsuit in January 2021, alleging a series of traumatic incidents including rape and physical abuse throughout her nearly four-year tenure as his assistant.
Court Verdict and Reaction
Following the jury’s decision, Jane Doe’s legal representatives, Ron Zambrano and Neama Rahmani, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. Zambrano stated, “We’re happy our client was vindicated and the jury believed her claims of physical and sexual assault,” and noted their eagerness to proceed to the punitive damages phase of the trial.
Details of the Allegations
According to Doe’s lawsuit, she commenced her role as an assistant to Way in 2018, during which the two developed a romantic relationship. Subsequently, she alleged that she endured repeated instances of rape, physical assault, and emotional torment. One chilling account detailed being confined for two days in a locked room without access to food, water, or bedding.
Defense and Counterclaims
In his defense, Soulja Boy has vehemently denied all allegations, describing them as “disgusting” during his testimony on April 1. His legal counsel presented arguments suggesting that Doe’s motivations for the lawsuit stemmed from a desire for financial compensation rather than the pursuit of justice. As part of their evidence, Doe’s lawyers included disturbing text messages purportedly from Way, including one that read, “Die bitch. Shoulda killed your stupid ass,” along with photographic evidence of her injuries.
Previous Legal Issues
This case is not the first legal challenge faced by Soulja Boy. In February 2019, a woman named Kayla Myers accused him of kidnapping and threatening her with a firearm. A jury subsequently ordered Way to pay $235,900 in damages in 2023. Additionally, another woman had previously accused him in 2021 of sexual battery and assault leading to a miscarriage.