Soulja Boy Sued Over YouTube Rant After Car Crash

Soulja Boy faces another lawsuit stemming from a June car accident. Of all things to be sued for following a crash, Soulja Boy now faces charges of defamation, reports All Hip Hop News.

The Atlanta-based rapper allegedly crossed the double lines while driving his Bentley on a Los Angeles street and struck a Chevy Impala being driven by a pregnant woman.

The pregnant woman and her partner earlier sued the rapper for medical expenses, emotional distress and physical distress. But following a YouTube video rant by Soulja Boy, the couple added defamation to their list of grievances.

Initially following the accident, Soulja Boy denied that he was behind the wheel of his Bentley. In fact, he claimed the couple was lying and denied any responsibility for the accident, reports All Hip Hop News. But in a move he may soon regret, Soulja Boy made these denials in a YouTube video in which he called the couple racists and liars. However, Soulja Boy eventually admitted to driving the Bentley.

As a result of his YouTube denial, he's being sued for defamation. But just because Soulja Boy allegedly made untrue statements on YouTube, it's not entirely clear if he would be liable for defamation. Along with an untrue and harmful statement, to prove defamation, a plaintiff would ordinarily also have to show that the statement was negligently made, published to a third party, and that the victim suffered harm.

While the couple in the Impala may be able to show that Soulja Boy made an untrue statement, that it was posted on YouTube, and that it was negligently made, the plaintiffs may have trouble showing they suffered any harm.

In the lawsuit, the passenger claims Soulja Boy's alleged YouTube defamation resulted in severe damage his career and reputation, reports All Hip Hop News. But the passenger would likely have to show actual harm and quantifiable damage to recover for a defamatory statement. It seems like a stretch that a YoutTube rant by Soulja Boy could hurt anyone's career.

Related Resources:

• Soulja Boy Slapped With Lawsuit After Talking Trash Over June Car Crash (Perez Hilton)
• Soulja Boy Arrested in GA with Pot, Guns, Cash in Car (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)
• Missy Elliot's Lamborghini Held Hostage: Rapper Sued Dealer for Her Ride (FindLaw's Celebrity Justice)