Soulja Boy Denies Assault Allegations in Civil Trial
Rapper Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way, took the stand in a California civil trial to defend himself against serious accusations made by a woman who alleges he assaulted her during their two-year relationship. The trial is taking place in Santa Monica, where the plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, has accused him of physical and sexual abuse, including claims of rape and imprisonment that began in 2019.
Allegations Presented in Court
The plaintiff testified earlier in March, detailing events she claims occurred while living with Soulja Boy, including allegations that he raped her during a police raid in February 2019. Doe described a toxic relationship where she experienced physical violence and emotional abuse, mentioning incidents of being regularly beaten and berated.
Soulja Boy’s Testimony
On the witness stand, Soulja Boy adamantly refuted her claims, stating that he “never” assaulted her. He acknowledged that a sexual encounter occurred during the police raid but insisted it was consensual. “I asked her if she wanted to have sex, and she was engaged in it,” he stated. “She didn’t push me or say stop, nothing like that.”
Relationship Dynamics
During his testimony, Soulja Boy discussed their relationship following his release from incarceration in July 2019. He invited her to live with him in what he characterized as a consensual arrangement. He maintained that she was not officially employed by him and referred to her as an “assistant” only for public appearances to avoid using the term “blunt roller,” a term he felt was inappropriate in that context.
Confrontation with Evidence
In a previously recorded video shown in court, Soulja Boy is seen calling out for his “assistant,” prompting questions about whether he recognized their relationship as one of employment. He confirmed the video’s accuracy but claimed that the circumstances were misrepresented.
Further Accusations of Abuse
Jane Doe’s emotional testimony painted a troubling picture of her life with Soulja Boy. She recounted instances of extreme fear and starvation, stating that at one point she lost a significant amount of weight due to withheld food. “I didn’t even feel human anymore,” she expressed, highlighting the dire conditions she alleged to have endured.
Legal Context and Additional Allegations
The lawsuit filed by Doe includes claims of sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, emotional distress, unpaid overtime, and a hostile work environment. Despite her reports to the police in December 2020, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office decided not to press criminal charges due to insufficient evidence.
Previous Allegations Against Soulja Boy
These current allegations are not the first against Soulja Boy. He has faced similar accusations from former partners, including claims of physical and sexual assault leading to civil court decisions against him in other cases. One former girlfriend claimed he threatened her life while she was pregnant, leading to a miscarriage.
Current Proceedings
The civil trial, which commenced on March 13, is expected to reach a conclusion with closing arguments by the end of this week. Doe’s lawsuit, filed in January 2021, encapsulates a range of serious claims against Soulja Boy. As both sides prepare for the final stages of litigation, the jury’s decision will hinge on the conflicting testimonies and presented evidence.
