Rapper Soulja Boy has been ordered to pay over $4 million to a woman known as Jane Doe, who accused him of sexual battery and abuse during their two-year relationship.
A jury ruled on Thursday that Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Way, was liable for emotional distress, sexual harassment, and non-payment of wages. He was cleared of false imprisonment and wrongful termination claims. In addition to the initial $4 million verdict, Way was ordered to pay $250,000 in punitive damages.
Way’s attorney, Rickey Ivie, expressed disagreement with the verdict, claiming the evidence did not support the claims. He stated that they intend to pursue further legal action, citing cultural misperceptions influencing the trial.
Doe sued Way in January 2021, accusing him of rape and kidnapping while she worked as his personal assistant from 2018. She testified that their relationship quickly became violent, alleging that Way locked her in a room without food for up to two days. She also claimed he sent explicit photos and made threatening remarks during their time together.
Way denied the accusations, stating that he never formally hired Doe and that their relationship was consensual, though contentious. His defense argued that text messages containing violent language and photos of bruises did not prove his involvement in the alleged abuse. Way’s legal team suggested that Doe’s lawsuit was financially motivated.
During closing arguments, Doe’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, asked the jury to award $73.6 million, emphasizing the severity of the alleged abuse. “He raped her. He punched her. He kicked her,” Zambrano said.
Way’s defense portrayed Doe as an extortionist motivated by greed, claiming the case was about money, not the truth.
In a separate 2021 lawsuit, Way was ordered to pay $471,800 to an ex-girlfriend who accused him of kidnapping and assault. Another woman also alleged he assaulted her while she was pregnant, resulting in a miscarriage.
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