Soulja Boy faces $73.6 million lawsuit over alleged sexual assault and abuse by former assistant

Anonymous accuser details harrowing claims of sexual assault and violence during time as rapper’s personal assistant.

Soulja Boy is currently embroiled in a high-stakes civil trial, facing explosive allegations from a former employee who accuses the rapper of rape, abuse, and false imprisonment. The woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, is seeking $73.6 million in damages.

The trial, which began on March 13 in Los Angeles Superior Court, centers around claims made by the woman, who says she was hired as Soulja Boy’s personal assistant in 2018. According to her, the professional relationship quickly turned into a violent and abusive romantic one.

Her attorney, Ron Zambrano, painted a harrowing picture during closing arguments. “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 stated.

He urged the jury to consider the evidence carefully, saying: “If you don’t believe my client, don’t give her a dollar. But if you do believe her, give her everything.”

The woman alleges she was never compensated for her work despite an agreed payment of $500 a week. She claims the only money she received was a $1,000 “remorse payment” following an alleged assault. One of the lawsuit’s most disturbing claims states: “On one occasion, defendant Way [Soulja Boy] punched plaintiff so hard in the head, she lost consciousness, only to wake up in a locked bedroom with no mattress, food or water.”

Another allegation reads, “When plaintiff tried to quit and leave defendant Way, defendant Way locked her in a room for approximately three days against her will with no hot water until she was coerced into not leaving.”

Soulja Boy, whose real name is DeAndre Way, has denied all accusations. His attorney, Rickey Ivie, called the claims “grossly exaggerated and unfounded,” adding, “just as her allegations are unfounded and unsubstantiated.”

The rapper has admitted to having a romantic relationship with the woman but denies hiring her or abusing her in any way. Text messages shown in court displayed aggressive language, but Soulja Boy argued they were not meant to be interpreted as threats.

As the jury prepares to deliberate, the outcome of the case could carry major financial and reputational consequences for the rapper. If found liable, Soulja Boy could be ordered to pay the full $73.6 million in damages. His legal team has stated that they plan to appeal if the verdict does not go in their favor.

A jury in 2023 said Soulja Boy owes a woman $472,000 for civil assault and kidnapping claims.

Another jury will hear closing arguments today in a lawsuit from a woman who testified about similar abuse.

Here’s Soulja, true name DeAndre Cortez Way, walking into court today. pic.twitter.com/UqudSlx4FV

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) April 7, 2025