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Rapper Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way, is once again facing legal trouble after being arrested in Los Angeles for alleged firearm possession. The arrest comes just days after he was ordered to pay more than $4 million in damages in a sexual assault lawsuit.
The Incident occurred early Sunday morning when police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Melrose and Genesee. Soulja Boy was reportedly a passenger in the vehicle. During the stop, law enforcement discovered a firearm inside the car, leading to his arrest on suspicion of being a convicted felon in possession of a gun. He was booked at the LAPD’s Wilshire Division.
This arrest follows a significant civil court loss in April, when a jury ruled that Soulja Boy must pay $4.75 million to a former personal assistant who accused him of multiple offenses, including sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress. The woman, identified only as Jane Doe, filed the lawsuit in 2021. The jury also found him liable for gender violence and failure to pay wages. However, he was cleared of allegations involving false imprisonment and hostile work environment.
The timing of this arrest has intensified public scrutiny of the rapper, who first gained fame in 2007 with his breakout single “Crank That.” Throughout his career, Soulja Boy has had several run-ins with the law, many of which involved weapons charges. He has faced previous arrests in 2014 and 2016 for similar offenses.
Details about the weapon found during the traffic stop remain unclear. Authorities have not confirmed whether the firearm belonged to Soulja Boy or another occupant of the vehicle. His legal team has not released a statement regarding the arrest. Once considered a trailblazer for viral hits and internet-driven fame, Soulja Boy now finds himself navigating serious legal battles that could have long-term consequences.