A court has ruled in favor of a woman who accused rapper Soulja Boy (DeAndre Cortez Way) of sexually assaulting her throughout their nearly two-year relationship. The jury in Santa Monica, California found Way, 34, accountable for sexual battery, assault, and other charges. A statement given by Way’s representatives earlier referred to the case as “nonsense”.

The plaintiff, a 36-year-old woman who filed her complaint anonymously, alleged that Way regularly subjected her to rape, physical abuse, and occasionally held her captive. She testified that she went from weighing around 150 pounds to 86 pounds in her attempt to escape from Way’s control. The woman also said that Way confiscated her phone and driver’s license, rendering her without the means to leave or contact anyone outside for help.

The woman testified that their relationship had fluctuating dynamics, at times being akin to a consensual one where mutual affection was declared via text messages, yet also fraught with instances where Way would apologize and plead for her return. However, there were also moments of violence and intimidation.

Additional claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress, sexual harassment, and nonpayment of wages were upheld against Way, while claims of false imprisonment and constructive discharge were dismissed. The woman’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and readiness to proceed to the punitive damages phase. Conversely, Way’s attorney, Rickey Ivie, denied the allegations, stating that the woman fabricated her story driven by greed rather than a desire for truth.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/apr/10/soulja-boy-liable-sexual-assault-battery-payout