In an ongoing legal dispute between music mogul Dr. Dre and his former therapist, Dr. Charles Sophy, a Los Angeles judge has ruled in Dre’s favor, dismissing a temporary restraining order that Dr. Sophy had initially obtained.
Dr. Sophy, a prominent child therapist, had sought a permanent restraining order, expressing concern for his safety after receiving what he described as “menacing” text messages from Dr. Dre.
During court testimony on Tuesday, Sophy stated that Dre’s texts, including insults like “You’re a piece of s***,” made him feel threatened. He argued that Dre’s anger stemmed from Sophy’s previous role in marriage counseling sessions with Dre and his ex-wife, Nicole, prior to their high-profile divorce.
Dre reportedly believes Sophy’s involvement led to his children distancing themselves from him, a claim Sophy denies.
Dre attended the hearing via Zoom, while Sophy appeared in person. Dre admitted to sending the messages but contended that they were expressions of frustration, not credible threats of violence.
The judge agreed, determining that while the messages were heated, they did not meet the legal standard for violent threats, thereby lifting the restraining order and allowing Dre to resume contact if he chooses.
The decision ends the restraining order, which had previously mandated that Dre keep at least 100 yards away from Sophy.
Sophy also addressed accusations that Dre had labeled him “racist.” He testified that his extensive work with diverse children over the past 20 years reflects his commitment to inclusivity.
