American rapper Soulja Boy has been ordered to pay $4 million (about R77 million) in a sexual assault case that has garnered widespread media attention.
He was also ordered to pay $250,000 (just over R4m) in punitive damages.
The decision, delivered this week, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding allegations of sexual misconduct within the entertainment industry.
The case, which had been in the courts since 2021, centered around allegations made by a woman described as Jane Doe, who accused the rapper of sexual battery and abuse during their two-year relationship.
She claimed that within the first month of employment in 2018, Soulja Boy sent her photos of his penis and they initiated a romantic relationship that turned violent and toxic.
During the trial, she testified that he locked her in a room without food for as long as two days.
She said the traumatic encounter led her to seek legal recourse against the hip-hop artist.
During the trial, the court heard harrowing testimonies detailing the emotional and psychological toll inflicted upon the victim. They indicated that they believed her account and deemed Soulja Boy's actions reprehensible.
According to online reports, the jury decided on Thursday, April 10, that the rapper, whose real name is DeAndre Way, was liable in his civil case for claims of intentional infliction of emotional distress, sexual harassment and non-payment of wages.
Legal experts believe this outcome may inspire other victims to come forward, boosting a movement that aims to hold perpetrators accountable and provide a platform for healing to those affected.
The "Crank That" hitmaker has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings.
According to online reports, Soulja Boy's attorney, Rickey Ivie, said, “We maintain that the evidence does not support the verdict. It is unfortunate that aspersions and misperceptions of a culture were allowed to influence the trial. Mr. Way fully intends to pursue his post-trial remedies and to fight for a just result in this case.”
The rapper was previously sued for assault and kidnapping in 2021 and, two years later, was ordered to pay $471,800 to an ex-girlfriend.
She claimed that he had kidnapped her and held a gun to her head at his home after a party in February 2019.
Another woman also accused him of assaulting her in 2021, alleging that he put a gun to her head and kicked her in the stomach while she was pregnant. She said she suffered a miscarriage after the incident.