Rapper Soulja Boy is facing big trouble. A California jury decided he must pay nearly $4 million to his former assistant, who says he hurt her and kept her trapped. The woman, known only as Jane Doe, filed the lawsuit in 2021, and the jury ruled in her favor on April 10, 2025.
Doe worked for Soulja Boy—real name DeAndre Cortez Way—starting in December 2018. She said she was hired to cook, clean, and help around the house for $500 a week. But according to her, things quickly turned dangerous.
Jane Doe claimed that not long after she started working, Soulja Boy sent her unwanted photos and started a short romantic relationship with her. But that relationship quickly turned violent.
In the lawsuit, Doe said that Soulja Boy:
- Punched her in the head so hard she passed out
- Attacked her so badly in August 2020 that she thought she was going to die
- Locked her in a room for three days without hot water
- Sexually assaulted her multiple times
She said she tried to get help and even told the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office about the abuse in December 2020, but the police didn’t press charges, saying there wasn’t enough evidence.
Soulja Boy spoke out after the jury’s decision. He told Rolling Stone:
“The district attorney never filed charges. I was never charged or convicted of this, criminally. So, to be accused of this civilly is beyond me. I’ve never done any of the things they’re accusing me of. I just feel like this is very unfair.”
He says he didn’t do any of the things she claims.
The jury already decided on compensatory damages—the money that’s supposed to make up for the pain Doe says she went through. That amount is just over $4 million.
Now, there’s a second part of the trial to decide punitive damages. That’s extra money the court could ask Soulja Boy to pay as punishment for his actions.
Jane Doe’s lawyer, Ron Zambrano, said in a statement:
“We’re happy our client was vindicated and the jury believed her claims of physical and sexual assault. We’re looking forward to moving on to the punitive damages phase of the case.”
If you or someone you know is being hurt or abused, help is available. You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.org for confidential support.
Soulja Boy was seen leaving court in Los Angeles on April 7, 2025. He also recently appeared at a dispensary anniversary event in Los Angeles in January 2023, smiling for cameras—but now, he’s facing serious consequences.
This case is still unfolding, and fans are watching to see what the court decides next.
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