Justin Sane, who was previously the lead vocalist for the now-defunct political punk band Anti-Flag, has been legally mandated to pay a staggering amount of $1.9 million to a woman, Kristina Sarhadi, who has accused him of rape that allegedly occurred in 2010. This case has garnered significant media attention due to Sane’s prior fame and the serious nature of the accusations against him.
On Tuesday, July 22, a federal court order found Sane (whose real name is Justin Geever) liable in a default judgment. This legal decision was reached because he failed to respond to the lawsuit initiated by Sarhadi in 2023, which alleges serious charges of assault and sexual battery. The lack of response from Sane led the court to hold him accountable for the allegations made against him.
Sarhadi’s claims detail a harrowing account in which she alleges that Sane strangled and raped her at a motel following their meeting at an Anti-Flag concert at The Bell House in Brooklyn. Her allegations were pivotal, as she became the first among a dozen women to come forward with similar accusations against Sane in July 2023. This revelation led to the dissolution of Anti-Flag, a band known for its pro-feminism and straight-edge values, after an impressive 35-year history.
In response to Sarhadi’s allegations, Sane previously characterized her claims as “categorically false.” However, he did not take any further action in the ongoing lawsuit. Due to his inaction, Judge Brenda K. Sannes has ruled in favor of Sarhadi by entering a default judgment, which signifies that the court has determined Sane effectively admitted to the claims by not responding, despite several warnings regarding the legal proceedings.
The federal court’s order mandates that Sane compensates Sarhadi a total of $1.9 million in damages. This amount includes $750,000 designated for pain and suffering as well as $420,800 intended to cover the costs of therapy for her post-traumatic stress disorder, along with struggles with depression and anxiety that have arisen as a result of the traumatic events of 2010.
Judge Sannes noted, “It is well-documented through the supporting affidavits that 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.” This statement underscores the long-lasting impact of such traumatic experiences on survivors and highlights the court’s understanding of emotional health issues stemming from sexual violence.
The total damages awarded also encompass $750,000 in punitive damages. These damages are typically imposed by a court to penalize the defendant and discourage similar reprehensible behavior in the future. They serve as a critical component in holding offenders accountable for their actions, particularly in cases involving severe misconduct.
“The sexual violence committed by the defendant undeniably constitutes morally reprehensible or utterly reckless behavior, making a punitive damage award proper,” stated the judge. She elaborated that Sane’s actions not only sexually assaulted the plaintiff but also profoundly disrupted her emotional well-being, resulting in lifelong ramifications that continue to affect her years after the attack.
Judge Sannes further emphasized the severity of Sane’s actions, pointing out that his use of fame and status to lure a younger fan into his hotel room under false pretenses adds to the moral reprehensibility of his conduct. This element of manipulation highlights the power dynamics often present in cases of sexual violence, where trust is exploited for malicious purposes.
As of Friday, July 25, attempts to contact Sane for comments regarding the case have been unsuccessful. Additionally, Sarhadi’s attorney has not responded to inquiries about the judgment, leaving many questions surrounding the case unanswered and further fueling public interest.
Initially, Sarhadi’s lawsuit implicated other former members of Anti-Flag—namely Chris Head, Chris Barker, and Pat Thetic—arguing that they should have been aware of Sane’s repeated sexual misconduct and thus should have intervened. However, Judge Sannes dismissed these claims against the corporate entity of Anti-Flag, Hardwork Distribution Inc., in December, finding that Sarhadi did not adequately establish negligence on the part of the band members.
Stuart Slotnick, the attorney representing Head, Barker, and Thetic, expressed to Billboard on Friday that his clients have had no communication with Geever and do not wish to engage with him since the emergence of the sexual assault allegations. This statement reflects the disconnection and shock experienced by the band members in light of the serious accusations against their former colleague.
“They were shocked to hear the complaints,” Slotnick remarked. “We were very happy that the judge recognized that the three former members of the band had nothing to do with Geever or his misdeeds.” This highlights the complexities of accountability in such situations and the need for clarity when addressing allegations of misconduct within groups or organizations.
