Soulja Boy, the iconic American rapper known for his 2007 breakthrough hit "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," has been arrested on suspicion of weapons charges in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that the rapper, whose real name is DeAndre Cortez Way, was taken into custody early Sunday morning around 2:35am local time in the Melrose area after a routine traffic stop.
During the traffic inquiry, officers allegedly discovered that the 35-year-old was in possession of a firearm. He is now facing charges related to this incident as a felon in possession of a firearm.
Adding to his growing list of legal issues, Soulja Boy was recently ordered to pay $4.25 million to a woman who accused him of sexual battery and abuse. The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, claimed that she was regularly raped and beaten during their time together when she was employed as his assistant. Despite Way's denial of the allegations and insisting that their relationship was consensual, a jury found him liable for sexual battery, assault, and gender violence in a civil trial.
As news of his arrest spreads, CBS News has reached out for official comments from Soulja Boy's representatives regarding the latest legal developments.