Breaking News: Soulja Boy Ordered to Pay $4 Million After Sexual Assault Accusation – What You Need to Know

A jury has ruled that rapper Soulja Boy must pay $4 million to a woman who accused him of sexual assault during their nearly two-year relationship. The decision came from a Santa Monica jury, which found the rapper, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, liable for several serious claims, including sexual battery and assault. Before the trial, Way’s representative dismissed the allegations as “nonsense.”

The woman, 36, who filed her complaint anonymously, described a disturbing pattern of abuse. During her testimony, she revealed that Way frequently raped, beat, and imprisoned her. At one point, she weighed around 150 pounds but expressed that she got down to just 86 pounds when she finally managed to escape. “I didn’t even feel human anymore. I felt like an animal,” she shared.

Her lack of independence was troubling; she mentioned that she didn’t have a car, and during their relationship, her phone and driver’s license went missing. Way reportedly taunted her, saying, “Bitch, I have your license.”

Despite the violence, the woman testified they had moments of affection too, suggesting that their relationship was complex. Texts presented in court showed both exchanging loving messages at times. However, there were also texts that hinted at distress and conflict, like the woman asserting, “You think you can keep hitting on me, you are crazy.”

The trial lasted three weeks, and the jury also found Way liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress, sexual harassment, and failing to pay wages. However, he was cleared of false imprisonment and constructive discharge claims.

The woman’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, expressed relief at the jury’s decision, saying it vindicated their client’s claims of assault. They are now preparing for the next phase, focusing on punitive damages. In contrast, Way’s attorney dismissed the case’s validity, suggesting the woman manufactured her story for financial gain.

This case highlights the ongoing conversations around abuse in relationships and the often complex dynamics involved. In the U.S., nearly 1 in 4 women experience severe intimate partner physical violence, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Such statistics remind us of the importance of listening to and believing survivors, as well as addressing the various facets of relationships that can lead to abuse.

For further insights into domestic violence patterns and support resources, you can visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline’s website.



Source link