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Soulja Boy has been ordered to pay over millions of dollars to a woman who sued him for raping, kidnapping and physical abusing her during their two-year relationship.
A jury in Santa Monica found Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Way, liable for Jane Doe's claims of emotional distress, sexual harassment and failure to pay wages. According to legal reporter Meghann Cuniff, the damages include $1 million for future harm from the sexual battery and $500,000 for the past abuse. Doe was also awarded with an extra $2,650 for the unpaid wages. Doe's attorneys initially asked for $73.6 million, however, the plaintiff will receive over $4 million.
The jury cleared the "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" rapper of false imprisonment and constructive discharge. Soulja Boy reportedly looked forward and "calmly smiled" while the verdict was read aloud.
Soulja Boy was sued by Jane Doe in 2021. The unidentified woman claimed she worked as his assistant beginning in 2018. Within a month, Doe alleged that Soulja Boy sent her photos of his penis. They eventually began a romantic relationship, which quickly turned toxic and, at times, violent. The woman claimed the rapper raped her on several occasions, physically abused her and once locked her in a with no food for two days.
“If you don’t believe my client, don’t give her a dollar,” Doe's lawyer Ron Zambrano said during closing arguments on Monday. “But if you do believe her, give her everything."
“He raped her,” he continued. “He punched her. He kicked her. He cut her. He pointed a Draco gun at her. He locked her in her room… He told her, ‘I hope you die slow.'”
Soulja Boy denied the allegations before the trial began. His attorney Rickey Ivie said Doe's lawsuit was an extortion attempt and claimed all she wanted was a payday.
As of this report, the jury is currently considering punitive damages so the total amount of damages may increase.