Anti-Flag Frontman Justin Sane Ordered to Pay $1.9 Million in Rape Lawsuit
A federal court has ordered Justin Sane, the former frontman of the punk band anti-Flag, to pay $1.9 million to a woman who accused him of rape.the ruling, issued Tuesday, July 22nd, holds sane liable by default after he failed to respond to the lawsuit filed by Kristina sarhadi in 2023.
The court’s order mandates Sane to pay Sarhadi $1.9 million in damages. This includes $750,000 for pain and suffering and $420,800 to cover the costs of therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety stemming from the alleged 2010 rape. An additional $750,000 in punitive damages was also awarded.
According to reports, Judge Sannes noted in the court order that the plaintiff “has suffered extreme emotional distress and a complete upending of her life, as evidenced by her symptoms which have persisted fifteen years since the date of the attack.”
Sarhadi had previously alleged that Sane was actively evading service of the lawsuit and intended to “flee to Europe.” Court documents indicated that Sane had sold his Pittsburgh home and attempted to transfer funds overseas to an Irish bank account to hide his assets. Furthermore, Sane’s attorney, Michael Johnson, reportedly ceased interaction during settlement negotiations and failed to serve Sane with the legal documents.
Sarhadi’s lawsuit details allegations that Sane strangled and raped her at a motel in 2010, following an Anti-Flag concert at The Bell House in Brooklyn. Following Sarhadi’s accusations of sexual misconduct, an additional 12 women came forward with similar allegations in a report by Rolling Stone.
In the aftermath of these accusations, Anti-Flag disbanded in July 2023. The remaining band members released a statement condemning Sane’s actions.Sarhadi had also named the band’s company,Hardwork Distribution,in the lawsuit,alleging that the bandmates were aware of Sane’s alleged behavior. Though, a judge dismissed the claims against the corporate entity in December.
