Warning: This story contains language and descriptions that may be triggering and offensive.
A California jury has ruled in favor of a woman who filed a civil lawsuit against Soulja Boy, awarding her over $4 million in compensatory damages. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, accused the artist, whose legal name is DeAndre Cortez Way, of physical assault, sexual misconduct, and false imprisonment during their professional and personal relationship.
Get this, the verdict, delivered Thursday (April 10) in Santa Monica, marks the conclusion of the initial phase of the trial. The case will now proceed to determine potential punitive damages.
“We’re happy our client was vindicated and the jury believed her claims of physical and sexual assault,” said Ron Zambrano, the plaintiff’s attorney and Employment Litigation Chair at West Coast Employment Lawyers. “We’re looking forward to moving on to the punitive damages phase of the case.”
Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Employment Lawyers, added, “Today’s verdict is just the beginning of justice for Soulja Boy’s victims and other victims in the music industry.”
According to the lawsuit, Doe worked as Soulja Boy’s assistant starting in December 2018, with agreed weekly compensation of $500 for tasks including cleaning, cooking, and travel arrangements. The complaint alleges she was never paid.
The filing further claims that within a month of employment, Way sent her unsolicited explicit photos before their relationship turned romantic.
Shortly afterward, Doe alleges she endured physical abuse, including being punched unconscious and locked in a room without essentials. The lawsuit describes an alleged sexual assault in February 2019, after which Way reportedly gave her $1,000.
The complaint details another incident in August 2020 where Doe says she was severely beaten, lost consciousness, and later fled Way’s home without her belongings.
The rapper has yet to comment publicly on the verdict. The trial’s next phase will determine whether additional punitive damages will be awarded.