Dr. Dre appeared in Los Angeles County Superior Court this week in an effort to dismiss a $10 million harassment lawsuit filed against him by his former psychiatrist, Dr. Charles Sophy. The court, however, denied his request on March 27, allowing the case to move forward.
The Allegations
Dr. Sophy filed the lawsuit in October 2024, claiming that the legendary producer and rapper subjected him to a pattern of “systematic and malicious” harassment via text messages. The messages allegedly became so extreme that Sophy claimed he began wearing a bulletproof vest and feared for his life.
According to Rolling Stone, Sophy served as Dre’s family therapist and mediator during the rapper’s 2021 divorce from ex-wife Nicole Young.
Dre’s Side of the Story
Dre admitted to sending the text messages but insisted they stemmed from his discovery of malpractice and unethical behavior. In a sworn declaration from January, Dre accused Sophy of attempting to manipulate his relationship with his son and using that influence to pressure him into an unfair divorce settlement.
“I discovered that Sophy had attempted to poison my relationship with my son, including by urging him to disclose my financial records to the media,” Dre stated.
While Dre acknowledged using “strong language”, he said it was driven by frustration over what he viewed as serious ethical violations. He claimed his intent was to file a formal medical board complaint, not to threaten.
Judge’s Ruling
Judge Mark H. Epstein ruled that the messages did not appear to support a legal or professional process, stating:
“It looks like a bunch of angry messages, and I don’t see how they further the process of a medical board complaint. He’s just hurling insults.”
Reportedly, Dre’s messages included calling Sophy a “bitch,” a “piece of shit,” and warning him that he had “fucked up” and “fucked with the wrong one.”
Dre’s attorney, Jackson Trugman, defended the rapper’s actions, saying:
“He was trying to hold the doctor accountable for alleged misconduct and seeking an explanation and an apology.”
The case will proceed as Dr. Sophy continues to seek damages.
