Jury HAMMERS Rapper in Abuse Trial!
Soulja Boy, once a chart-topping rapper, now faces a $4 million judgment after a jury found him liable for sexually assaulting and abusing his former assistant.
At a Glance
Jury awards over $4 million to Soulja Boy’s ex-assistant for sexual assault and abuse
Trial held over three weeks in Santa Monica, California
Charges included sexual battery, assault, and emotional distress
Soulja Boy’s legal team plans to appeal the verdict
Soulja Boy’s Legal Defeat
Rapper Soulja Boy, legally known as DeAndre Cortez Way, has been ordered to pay over $4 million in damages after a California jury found him liable for sexually assaulting and abusing his former assistant, according to the Associated Press.
The trial, which lasted three weeks in Santa Monica, delved into allegations that Way subjected the woman, identified in court as Jane Doe, to repeated physical and sexual abuse between 2019 and 2020, as reported by Pitchfork.
Watch NBC News’ coverage of the verdict and its implications.
Testimonies Unveil a Troubling Picture
Jane Doe testified that she began working for Soulja Boy in December 2018, with an agreement to be paid $500 weekly—a payment she claims she never received, according to People.
She described a relationship that quickly turned abusive, alleging multiple instances of rape and physical violence. The jury found Way liable for sexual battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and failure to pay wages, confirmed by Pitchfork.
A Legal Battle Far from Over
Following the verdict, Soulja Boy’s attorney, Rickey Ivie, expressed disagreement with the outcome, stating, “We maintain that the evidence does not support the verdict. It is unfortunate that aspersions and misperceptions of a culture were allowed to influence the trial,” as quoted by the Associated Press.
The defense team indicated plans to appeal the ruling, signaling that the legal saga may continue. As this case garners widespread attention, it stands as a chilling reminder of the power dynamics and potential for exploitation within the entertainment industry.