Justin Sane of Anti-Flag Faces $1.9 Million Judgment in Rape Case

## Legal Judgment Against Anti-Flag’s Justin Sane

Former frontman of Anti-Flag, Justin Sane, is facing significant legal repercussions after being ordered to pay nearly $2 million to Kristina Sarhadi in a sexual assault lawsuit. Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda K. Sannes ruled that Sane, whose real name is Justin Geever, owes Sarhadi a default judgment of $1,170,800, plus an additional $750,000 in punitive damages.

### Allegations of Assault

Kristina Sarhadi, who is a holistic therapist from New York, claims that after attending a party in October 2010, Geever violently assaulted her. In her public statement from July 2023, she expressed the severity of the experience, stating, “I can’t stress how violent he was and how much I fully believed I was going to die.”

Although the accuser did not initially disclose Geever’s name, fans of Anti-Flag quickly made connections. The band ceased all operations and removed their social media presence shortly thereafter. In response to the allegations, Geever denied any non-consensual encounters.

### The Lawsuit Proceedings

In November 2023, Sarhadi formally filed her lawsuit against Geever, detailing the emotional and psychological trauma she has endured since the incident. Symptoms have included recurring night terrors and thoughts of self-harm.

Despite attempts to engage him for a response, Geever did not formally address the suit. A clerk of court declared him in default after Sarhadi’s attorney indicated that Geever was evading service of the lawsuit, claiming he had possibly moved assets overseas. Geever reportedly holds dual citizenship and possesses an Irish passport.

### Survivor’s Perspective

Reflecting on the court’s ruling, Sarhadi shared her thoughts: “Judge Sannes’ careful decision in my case feels like a beacon of hope in a time of emboldened misogyny and unchecked power.” She acknowledged that while compensation cannot remedy the trauma, it validates the experiences of survivors. “I am no longer heartbroken by Geever’s betrayal. I’m enraged that patterns of abuse like his continue to escalate in every arena,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to expose such behaviors.

### Legislative Context

Sarhadi’s lawsuit was filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which was enacted in 2022. This legislation allows victims to file civil suits against their assailants, regardless of the statute of limitations.

Judge Sannes, in her detailed 23-page ruling, pointed to previous cases where substantial punitive damages were awarded for morally objectionable actions. She stated that the defendant’s actions not only caused irreparable harm but were also particularly heinous because he exploited his fame to manipulate a younger fan.

As the case unfolds, the conversation around sexual assault and accountability continues. How can we further support survivors in their journey toward justice and healing?