A Los Angeles jury is currently deliberating in a high-profile civil trial where rapper Soulja Boy, legally known as DeAndre Cortez Way, faces allegations of rape, physical abuse, and false imprisonment from his former personal assistant.
The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe to protect her anonymity, seeks $73.6 million in damages. The trial, which commenced on March 13, 2025, in Los Angeles Superior Court, reached closing arguments on April 7, with the jury beginning deliberations the following day, April 8.
Jane Doe alleges she was hired as Soulja Boy’s assistant in 2018, having previously worked for artists such as Molly Maul, Little Twist, and Trippy Wed. She claims that what began as a professional arrangement quickly escalated into an abusive romantic relationship. The lawsuit, filed in January 2021, accuses Soulja Boy of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and wage violations.
A significant financial dispute centers on her assertion that she was promised $500 weekly compensation but received only a single $1,000 payment—allegedly as “remorse” following a sexual assault—while Soulja Boy contends she was never promised a salary, only room and board.
The plaintiff’s attorney, Ron Zambrano, outlined harrowing accusations during the trial.
“He raped her. 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,’”
Zambrano told the jury in closing arguments.
Among the specific incidents, Jane Doe testified that the first alleged rape occurred during a police raid at Soulja Boy’s rented Malibu home in February 2019. She claims he disposed of firearms and illegal substances before assaulting her, and she refrained from reporting it to Ventura County Deputies present at the scene out of fear.
Further allegations include an incident where Soulja Boy allegedly punched her unconscious, leaving her to awaken in a locked room without a mattress, food, or water. In another instance, when she attempted to resign, she claims he confined her in a room for three days without hot water, coercing her to remain in his employ.
The plaintiff bolstered her case with text messages and photographs sent to Soulja Boy’s manager, “Miami Mike,” who testified for the defense. After sending images of her bruises, she received a sympathetic response from Mike:
“That is insane I’m so sorry this happened to you.”
Soulja Boy vehemently denies all allegations of abuse and assault. While admitting to a romantic relationship with Jane Doe, he disputes ever employing her as a personal assistant or engaging in abusive behavior. His defense team, led by attorney Rickey Ivie, has portrayed her as a “jealous ex-girlfriend” seeking financial gain, arguing that her compensation was limited to free lodging rather than a formal salary.
The defense has labeled the plaintiff’s claims as “grossly exaggerated and unfounded,” highlighting inconsistencies in her testimony and questioning why she remained with Soulja Boy if the abuse was as severe as alleged. Regarding aggressive text messages, Soulja Boy insists they were not threats, a point the prosecution has contested as evidence of intimidation.
The trial featured extensive testimony, with Jane Doe spending several days on the stand, tearfully recounting her experiences.
“I was terrified for my life,”
She added,
“I didn’t even feel human anymore.”
In closing arguments on April 7, 2025, Zambrano urged the jury to award the full $73.6 million if they believed his client, stating,
“If you don’t believe my client, don’t give her a dollar. But if you do believe her, give her everything.”
He also criticized Soulja Boy’s courtroom demeanor as a “four-week act with glasses and a suit” intended to sway the jury. Deliberations began on April 8, with the jury weighing claims including assault, sexual battery, false imprisonment, and hostile work environment. As of April 10, 2025, no verdict has been reached.
A liable verdict could mandate Soulja Boy to pay $73.6 million, severely impacting his finances and reputation. His legal team has vowed to appeal if unfavorable outcomes indicate a prolonged legal fight.
This case follows a 2023 ruling where Soulja Boy was ordered to pay $472,000 in damages for assault and kidnapping in a separate civil suit. This history may shape perceptions of the current allegations.
A verdict has yet to be reached. But no matter the outcome, this case already has a lasting impact. It’s pushing people to think more deeply about how the entertainment world handles abuse, how survivors come forward, and how justice unfolds — one voice at a time.
