Dr. Dre Faces $10 Million Lawsuit Over Alleged Harassment by Psychotherapist

 

Music mogul Dr. Dre is facing a lawsuit for a minimum of $10 million filed by psychotherapist Dr. Charles Sophy, who claims he endured a prolonged campaign of "unbearable harassment" from the rapper, leaving him in fear for his life. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleges that the harassment forced Sophy to wear a bulletproof vest.

Dr. Sophy asserts that he was hired by Dre, born Andre Young, in 2018 to mediate his tumultuous marriage to Nicole Young. Following a settlement in late 2021, Sophy claims communication ceased until approximately 14 months later when Dre allegedly began sending threatening texts and unfounded accusations regarding Sophy's conduct during the mediation process.

The lawsuit contends that Dre’s behavior transitioned from an opportunity for healing to a "nearly year-long sustained campaign" filled with threats and homophobic language. Dre’s attorney, Howard King, countered these claims, stating that Dre had previously filed a "confidential complaint" against Sophy with the Osteopathic Medical Board of California for alleged professional misconduct during the mediation process.

In a series of text messages cited in the lawsuit, Dre allegedly threatened Sophy, telling him he would "have to pay" and demanding a written apology. Sophy claims that he attempted to de-escalate the situation but faced continued harassment, including messages that left him increasingly fearful for his safety.

The lawsuit outlines several instances of alleged harassment, including a text from Dre threatening to take action if Sophy did not comply with his demands and another chilling message that stated, "Don’t worry I haven’t forgotten about you." Sophy also claims to have received suspicious calls from individuals impersonating FBI agents attempting to gain access to his home, which heightened his fears.

Dr. Sophy’s lawsuit includes claims of civil harassment, threats of violence based on sexual orientation, and a request for a court order to prohibit Dre from contacting him. He is seeking compensatory damages of at least $10 million, alongside punitive damages to be determined at trial. The case raises serious questions about professional conduct and personal safety amid high-profile legal disputes.