Anti-Flag’s Justin Sane Ordered to Pay $1.9 Million in Default Judgment Over 2010 Rape Allegation
A federal court has ordered Justin Sane, the former lead singer of the now-defunct political punk band Anti-Flag, to pay $1.9 million to Kristina Sarhadi following a default judgment in a civil lawsuit alleging rape in 2010. The ruling, issued on Tuesday, July 22, stems from Sane’s failure to respond to the lawsuit filed in 2023.
Sarhadi alleges that Sane, whose legal name is Justin Geever, strangled and raped her at a motel following an Anti-Flag performance at The Bell House in Brooklyn in 2010. The allegations sparked a wave of accusations against Sane, with a dozen women coming forward in July 2023 with claims of sexual misconduct. These claims ultimately led to the dissolution of Anti-Flag, a band known for its “straight-edge” lifestyle and pro-feminist stance, after 35 years.
Sane previously dismissed Sarhadi’s claims as “categorically false” in 2023, but never formally engaged with the legal proceedings. Judge Brenda K. Sannes entered the default judgment, a legal outcome signifying that the defendant has effectively conceded to the claims due to their inaction despite repeated warnings.
The court order mandates Sane to pay Sarhadi $1.9 million in damages. This includes $750,000 allocated for pain and suffering, and an additional $420,800 to cover the costs of therapy addressing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety resulting from the alleged 2010 assault.
According to court documents, Judge Sannes emphasized the profound impact of the alleged assault on Sarhadi’s life. “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,” the judge wrote.
The substantial damages also include $750,000 in punitive damages, intended to punish Sane and deter similar behavior. Judge Sannes stated that “the sexual violence committed by the defendant undeniably constitutes morally reprehensible or utterly reckless behavior making a punitive damage award proper.” The judge further noted that Sane’s actions were “even more morally reprehensible because he used his fame and status to lure a much younger fan into his hotel room under false pretenses.”
Attempts to reach Sane for comment on Friday, July 25, were unsuccessful. Sarhadi’s legal counsel also did not respond to requests for comment regarding the judgment.
Sarhadi’s initial lawsuit also named the other former members of Anti-Flag – Chris Head, Chris Barker, and Pat Thetic – alleging they were aware of Sane’s alleged misconduct but failed to intervene. However, Judge Sannes dismissed these claims in December, finding insufficient evidence to demonstrate negligence on the part of the band or its corporate entity, Hardwork Distribution Inc.
Stuart Slotnick, representing Head, Barker, and Thetic, confirmed to Billboard on Friday that his clients have severed all ties with Sane since the allegations surfaced. “They have had no contact with Geever at all (nor do they wish to),” Slotnick stated. “They were shocked to hear the complaints,” he added, “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.”
