Soulja Boy ruled liable for sexual assault against former assistant, must pay million in damages.
Soulja Boy, the well-known rapper whose legal name is DeAndre Cortez Way, has been ordered by a jury to pay million in damages after being found liable in a sexual assault civil case. This ruling followed allegations made by a former assistant who claimed to have suffered significant abuse during her employment under Way. The jury’s decision was delivered on Thursday and marks a significant moment in a case that has drawn substantial public interest.
The lawsuit, initially filed in January 2021, detailed troubling incidents that the plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe, alleged had occurred during her time working for Soulja Boy, starting in December 2018. According to the claims, the rapper began sending unsolicited explicit photographs shortly after Doe was hired, leading to a tumultuous romantic relationship marked by allegations of rape, physical abuse, and threats of violence. Doe’s testimony revealed a narrative of emotional and physical torment, reporting that after attempting to terminate both the relationship and her employment, she was confined in a room without food for several days.
During the trial, which commenced in March 2025, Doe’s attorneys presented corroborating evidence, including photographs of injuries she reportedly sustained and inflammatory messages sent to her by Way. The distress of her experience was palpable in court, as she described feeling dehumanized and hopeless due to the escalating violence.
In contrast, Soulja Boy defended himself during the trial, asserting that all interactions were consensual despite being contentious at times. His legal team dismissed Jane Doe’s accusations, portraying her as lacking credibility and motivated by monetary gain.
Doe sought nearly million in damages, with her attorneys arguing that the severity of the injuries warranted such a substantial figure. Ultimately, the jury found Soulja Boy liable for several civil claims, including sexual battery and assault, while determining that no liability existed regarding false imprisonment and creating a hostile work environment.
This incident is not the first legal dispute involving the rapper; he faced another lawsuit in May 2021 from a different anonymous accuser, who alleged similar claims of abuse, including violent incidents leading to a miscarriage. Additionally, in a separate case, Soulja Boy was ordered to pay approximately 2,000 in damages to a former girlfriend in connection with kidnapping and assault allegations.
The outcome of this trial and the financial implications for Soulja Boy serve as critical reminders of the ongoing discussions around accountability in cases of sexual violence in the entertainment industry. As more individuals come forward with their stories, the legal ramifications are becoming increasingly significant, showcasing the evolving nature of societal expectations regarding behavior and consent. Media News Source.
