Former ANTI-FLAG Frontman Justin Sane Ordered to Pay $1.9 Million in Civil Rape Case

Justin Sane (legal name Justin Geever), former vocalist of politically-charged punk band Anti-Flag, has been ordered to pay $1.9 million to his rape accuser following a default judgment in a civil sexual assault lawsuit. The ruling was issued on Tuesday, July 22nd, after Sane failed to respond to the lawsuit filed against him.

The allegations stem from a 2010 incident brought forward in July 2023 by Kristina Sarhadi, who accused Sane of rape. The accusation went public through an anonymous online post, ultimately leading to the dissolution of Anti-Flag, a band long known for their pro-feminist and progressive political stances. Days after the initial allegation, Sane and the remaining members issued separate statements confirming they had parted ways.

Following that, a detailed exposé published by Rolling Stone in September 2023 revealed that 13 additional women had come forward with similar allegations of sexual misconduct and predatory behavior involving Sane. In November 2023, Sarhadi filed a civil lawsuit, accusing him of sexual assault and battery. However, according to reports, Sane evaded service of the lawsuit and was believed to have fled the United States.

While Sarhadi also filed claims of negligence against the band itself, those claims were dismissed.

According to Billboard, the $1.9 million awarded to Sarhadi includes $750,000 for pain and suffering and $420,800 for therapy-related costs tied to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety she alleges were caused by the assault.

Sane was found liable by default for failing to respond to the case.

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