Dr Dre sued by psychotherapist divorce mediator.
A psychotherapist serving as a mediator in the divorce proceedings of music mogul Dr. Dre has asserted that the rapper’s conduct instilled a sense of fear for his personal safety.
A psychotherapist serving as a mediator in the divorce proceedings of music mogul Dr. Dre has asserted that the rapper’s conduct instilled a profound fear for his safety. Mediation is generally understood to facilitate a peaceful environment where parties can amicably address their disputes.
However, it seems that this principle did not resonate with Dr. Dre, whose real name is Andre Young. On October 9, he was presented with a USD 10 million lawsuit by psychotherapist Dr. Charles Sophy in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The lawsuit alleges that Dr. Dre subjected Sophy to nearly a year of relentless harassment, leaving him fearful for his life and hesitant to leave his residence.
THREATENING TEXT MESSAGES
Dr. Dre engaged the psychotherapist in 2018 to assist in mediating the dissolution of his marriage to Nicole Young. The lawsuit indicates that Sophy performed his duties with impartiality and dedication, ultimately concluding his involvement after the couple reached a USD 100 million settlement in late 2021. However, in early 2023, Dr. Dre purportedly began sending threatening text messages to Sophy, accusing him of unethical behavior during the mediation—a claim that Sophy categorically denies.
The lawsuit contends that these messages were part of a harassment campaign that included threats of violence, late-night communications, and derogatory remarks. It states: “This manifested in a nearly year-long sustained campaign of late-night texts, threats of intimidation and violence, and homophobic rhetoric.” One message allegedly warned, “You’re going to have to pay for that,” while another stated, “You’re a piece of sh*t.” A particularly alarming message cautioned: “Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about you.”
Dr. Sophy asserts that Young’s actions placed him in a perpetual state of fear, necessitating the implementation of severe security precautions, such as donning a bulletproof vest. Additionally, the lawsuit claims that individuals impersonating federal agents attempted to infiltrate his residence within a gated community.
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In a statement to the United States media, Howard King of King, Holmes, Paterno and Soriano, who is representing Young, attributed the misconduct to Dr. Sophy, asserting that he engaged in inappropriate behavior during the mediation process and that Young had lodged a formal complaint against him.
King stated: “In a severe breach of all relevant standards of care, Dr. Sophy involved himself in a contentious divorce while simultaneously providing ‘treatment’ to both Mr. and Mrs. Young, as well as their children.” In addition to pursuing a minimum of USD 10 million in compensatory damages for harassment and threats of violence related to sexual orientation, Dr. Sophy is also seeking punitive damages and a court injunction to prevent any further contact from Young. Dr. Sophy is represented by Christopher Frost of the law firm Frost LLP.