A California jury awards $4 million in damages after finding the rapper responsible for sexual battery, assault, and emotional distress.
LOS ANGELES — Rapper Soulja Boy has been found liable in a civil sexual assault lawsuit filed by his former personal assistant, resulting in a $4 million judgment against him.
A California jury delivered the verdict this week, determining that the rapper—whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way—is responsible for multiple civil offenses, including sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
The plaintiff, who worked closely with Soulja Boy in a professional capacity, filed the lawsuit in 2021, accusing him of repeated acts of abuse and misconduct throughout her time of employment. According to court documents, the assistant alleged that the rapper subjected her to a hostile work environment and committed various acts of violence and coercion.
Following deliberations, the jury awarded the victim $4 million in damages, broken down into categories including compensatory damages for physical and emotional suffering, lost earnings, and punitive damages meant to hold Soulja Boy accountable for what the jury deemed egregious behavior.
The outcome of the trial sends a strong message regarding accountability in the entertainment industry, particularly as survivors of abuse continue to come forward in pursuit of justice.
As of this writing, Soulja Boy has not publicly responded to the verdict. His legal team has not indicated whether they intend to appeal the decision.
The case has garnered national attention, further igniting conversations around abuse of power in the entertainment industry and the broader importance of workplace safety and respect.
This verdict marks a significant moment for the survivor, who expressed through her attorneys a sense of relief and vindication. “This was about seeking justice and speaking truth to power,” her legal team said in a statement. “We are grateful the jury believed her.”
