Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was ordered by a California jury to pay more than $4 million in damages to a woman who said he sexually battered, assaulted, and perpetrated gender violence against her. A civil lawsuit filed last year said the rapper had a long, violent relationship with the woman who was his assistant.
Details of the Allegations
Soulja Boy has been accused of abusing the woman once she started working for his design label in 2018, according to court testimony. She alleged that the two turned romantic but the relationship became one of physical attacks, rape and psychological manipulation. Also, the plaintiff testified that she was usually beaten, held against her will, and threatened with violence against herself and her family if she tried to leave.
She said the rapper also threatened to release sexually explicit videos if she spoke out, making her stay in a toxic and dangerous environment.
Soulja Boy Denies Accusations
Soulja Boy has vehemently denied all claims that they ever violated criminal laws related to taking pictures of unconscious women. He rejected claims that the woman was his employee and said she had simply been given a place to stay when the woman helped him roll marijuana during the trial. The allegations were ‘disgusting,’ his legal team said, and ‘jealousy, revenge, and financial gain,’ according to a statement. The National Weather Service brings severe weather warnings to a close.
However, the jury acquitted him of many of the claims that were made against him, finding him at fault on several charges of sexual misconduct and abuse.
Verdict and Compensation
The jury awarded the woman $4 million in compensatory damages and $250,000 in punitive damages after two days of deliberation. He was, however, found not guilty of the charges, including false imprisonment and constructive dismissal, in the matter.
It resulted from the jury’s belief in the woman’s testimony and supporting evidence, such as text messages that reveal erratic behavior and threats from the rapper. Chilling lines included ‘I hope you die slow’ and ‘I should have killed your ass’, some messages.
Victim’s Statement
According to the woman’s statement following the verdict, she felt she had finally been justified.
“It won’t bring anything that I’ve lost; obviously.” I gained little and lost a lot more. I hope that he doesn’t go and do this to any more women.”
She recalled the experience as deeply traumatizing, losing nearly half her body weight and feeling that she no longer felt human.’
History of Legal Troubles
It’s not the first legal controversy Soulja Boy has faced relating to abuse allegations. In that case, he was ordered in 2023 to pay his ex-girlfriend Kayla Myers $471,900 for assault and kidnapping.
Next Steps
The 2007 Crank That fame — and now Soulja Boy’s freedom would seemingly be assured by the first verdict and directly challenged by the judgment authorizing his arrest. However, through his attorney, Soulja Boy has indicated his intention to appeal the verdict, believing he is innocent.
