A California jury has ruled against rapper Soulja Boy (real name DeAndre Cortez Way) in a civil lawsuit brought by his former assistant, awarding the plaintiff over $4 million in compensatory damages for claims including sexual battery, assault, and false imprisonment.
The 34-year-old “Crank That” artist was found liable Thursday after a Santa Monica trial that began in March, though his attorney maintains the verdict will be challenged.
The anonymous plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, alleged in her January 2021 lawsuit that the rapper’s behavior escalated from sending unsolicited nude photos early in her employment to physical violence and sexual assault during their subsequent romantic relationship.
She testified about being locked in a room for three days without hot water when attempting to quit, and described violent attacks when trying to retrieve her belongings.
“I didn’t even feel human anymore. I felt like an animal. I wanted to die,” the woman told jurors, according to Rolling Stone and Vibe. Her legal team presented evidence of alleged abusive cycles involving demeaning messages, physical harm, and death threats.
Way maintained their relationship was consensual, calling assault claims “disgusting.” His attorney, Rickey Ivie, told sources the verdict was culturally biased and vowed to pursue “post-trial remedies,” stating: “The evidence does not support the verdict.”
The case now moves to a punitive damages phase, with plaintiff’s attorney Ron Zambrano declaring: “We’re happy our client was vindicated.” The outcome follows similar high-profile civil trials against entertainers, though no criminal charges have been filed in this matter.
