Warning: This story incorporates language and descriptions that could be triggering and offensive.
A California jury has dominated in favor of a girl who filed a civil lawsuit towards Soulja Boy, awarding her over $4 million in compensatory damages. The plaintiff, recognized as Jane Doe, accused the artist, whose authorized identify is DeAndre Cortez Method, of bodily assault, sexual misconduct, and false imprisonment throughout their skilled and private relationship.
Get this, the decision, delivered Thursday (April 10) in Santa Monica, marks the conclusion of the preliminary part of the trial. The case will now proceed to find out potential punitive damages.
“We’re joyful our consumer was vindicated and the jury believed her claims of bodily and sexual assault,” mentioned Ron Zambrano, the plaintiff’s legal professional and Employment Litigation Chair at West Coast Employment Legal professionals. “We’re wanting ahead to transferring on to the punitive damages part of the case.”
Neama Rahmani, president of West Coast Employment Legal professionals, added, “In the present day’s verdict is only the start of justice for Soulja Boy’s victims and different victims within the music business.”
In response to the lawsuit, Doe labored as Soulja Boy’s assistant beginning in December 2018, with agreed weekly compensation of $500 for duties together with cleansing, cooking, and journey preparations. The grievance alleges she was by no means paid.
The submitting additional claims that inside a month of employment, Method despatched her unsolicited specific images earlier than their relationship turned romantic.
Shortly afterward, Doe alleges she endured bodily abuse, together with being punched unconscious and locked in a room with out necessities. The lawsuit describes an alleged sexual assault in February 2019, after which Method reportedly gave her $1,000.
The grievance particulars one other incident in August 2020 the place Doe says she was severely crushed, misplaced consciousness, and later fled Method’s residence with out her belongings.
The rapper has but to remark publicly on the decision. The trial’s subsequent part will decide whether or not further punitive damages might be awarded.
