Soulja Boy Arrested for Weapons Charges in Los Angeles

The arrest comes just months after a significant civil lawsuit loss for sexual battery.

Soulja Boy, the rapper best known for his viral hit "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," found himself in legal hot water again as he was arrested in Los Angeles early Sunday morning on suspicion of weapons charges. A Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) report stated that the arrest occurred shortly after 2:30 AM local time in the Melrose district when officers conducted a routine traffic stop. During the stop, they discovered the 35-year-old, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was allegedly in possession of a firearm — a serious offense for someone with a prior felony record.

Adding to his recent controversies, Soulja Boy was previously ordered to pay $4.25 million in April 2023 to an unnamed woman who had accused him of sexual battery and abuse. The woman claimed that during her time as his assistant, he subjected her to violent behavior, including rape and confinement. Despite Soulja Boy's denials, a jury found him liable for sexual battery, assault, and gender violence in a civil trial.

As the rapper navigates these escalating legal issues, representatives from CBS News have reached out for a comment from Soulja Boy's team, but no official response has been made as of yet. This arrest marks a troubling chapter in the career of the influential figure who made waves in the music industry over a decade ago with his groundbreaking sound and trends.