Dr. Dre Sued for $10 Million by Former Marriage Counselor Alleging Harassment and Homophobic Threats
Oct 11, 11:00 AM
Dr. Dre, one of hip-hop's most influential figures, is facing a $10 million lawsuit from his former marriage counselor, Dr. Charles Sophy. The lawsuit accuses Dre of engaging in a sustained campaign of harassment involving threatening texts, intimidation, and homophobic comments.
Dr. Sophy, a well-known psychotherapist, was hired by Dre in 2018 to facilitate mediation between Dre and his now-ex-wife, Nicole Young, during their tumultuous divorce. The couple, who had been married for 24 years, finalized their settlement in 2021. However, Dr. Sophy claims that the harassment began roughly 14 months later, taking him by surprise.
"Rather than treating the mediation process as an opportunity for healing, [Dre] decided to take his frustrations about the mediation out on Dr. Sophy,” the lawsuit states. Sophy alleges that this was part of a “nearly year-long sustained campaign,” according to documents obtained by *Billboard* and *Rolling Stone*.
The lawsuit highlights a specific instance in February 2023 when Dre allegedly sent Dr. Sophy threatening messages. In one text message, Dre reportedly warned the doctor that he would "have to pay" for something he had heard. Sophy states that he was “fearful for his life” following these texts and even felt compelled to wear a bulletproof vest for protection.
The lawsuit also claims that Dre sent individuals posing as FBI agents to Dr. Sophy's gated community, allegedly attempting to enter his home under false pretenses. This incident left Dr. Sophy shaken, adding to his concerns for his personal safety.
Dr. Sophy further alleges that Dre’s threats were based on his sexual orientation, including homophobic rhetoric. According to *Rolling Stone*, one of the text messages from Dre reportedly read, "You're going to have to give me a written apology. If not, I'm moving forward. I'm not playing, trust me."
The psychotherapist is not only seeking $10 million for civil harassment but has also filed for a court order prohibiting Dre from contacting him and is requesting a trial. As of now, Dre's legal team has not issued a public response to the lawsuit.
Dr. Sophy’s lawsuit brings serious allegations against Dre, who has a prominent reputation as a music mogul, producer, and entrepreneur. These claims, if proven, could have significant legal repercussions and impact Dre’s public image.
USA TODAY reached out to Dre’s lawyer for comment on these allegations but has yet to receive a response.
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Dr. Sophy, a well-known psychotherapist, was hired by Dre in 2018 to facilitate mediation between Dre and his now-ex-wife, Nicole Young, during their tumultuous divorce. The couple, who had been married for 24 years, finalized their settlement in 2021. However, Dr. Sophy claims that the harassment began roughly 14 months later, taking him by surprise.
"Rather than treating the mediation process as an opportunity for healing, [Dre] decided to take his frustrations about the mediation out on Dr. Sophy,” the lawsuit states. Sophy alleges that this was part of a “nearly year-long sustained campaign,” according to documents obtained by *Billboard* and *Rolling Stone*.
The lawsuit highlights a specific instance in February 2023 when Dre allegedly sent Dr. Sophy threatening messages. In one text message, Dre reportedly warned the doctor that he would "have to pay" for something he had heard. Sophy states that he was “fearful for his life” following these texts and even felt compelled to wear a bulletproof vest for protection.
The lawsuit also claims that Dre sent individuals posing as FBI agents to Dr. Sophy's gated community, allegedly attempting to enter his home under false pretenses. This incident left Dr. Sophy shaken, adding to his concerns for his personal safety.
Dr. Sophy further alleges that Dre’s threats were based on his sexual orientation, including homophobic rhetoric. According to *Rolling Stone*, one of the text messages from Dre reportedly read, "You're going to have to give me a written apology. If not, I'm moving forward. I'm not playing, trust me."
The psychotherapist is not only seeking $10 million for civil harassment but has also filed for a court order prohibiting Dre from contacting him and is requesting a trial. As of now, Dre's legal team has not issued a public response to the lawsuit.
Dr. Sophy’s lawsuit brings serious allegations against Dre, who has a prominent reputation as a music mogul, producer, and entrepreneur. These claims, if proven, could have significant legal repercussions and impact Dre’s public image.
USA TODAY reached out to Dre’s lawyer for comment on these allegations but has yet to receive a response.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com