ANTI-FLAG’s JUSTIN SANE Ordered To Pay $1.9 Million To His Accuser

Former Anti-Flag vocalist Justin Sane (real name Justin Geever) has been ordered to pay $1.9 million in damages to his accuser, Kristina Sarhadi, after failing to respond to her civil sexual assault and battery lawsuit in court. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, July 22, and follows a lengthy and disturbing legal saga that began with an online allegation in 2023 regarding an alleged 2010 rape.

Sane‘s failure to engage with the lawsuit resulted in a default judgment, with the court finding him liable by virtue of his non-response. According to Billboard, the $1.9 million award includes $750,000 for pain and suffering and $420,800 for therapy-related costs connected to Sarhadi‘s post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety stemming from the alleged assault.

Sarhadi initially went public in July 2023, sparking the rapid dissolution of Anti-Flag – a band that had long positioned itself as outspokenly progressive and pro-feminist within the punk scene. Within a week of the allegations surfacing, the band issued a statement announcing they were parting ways with Sane. Later that year, Rolling Stone published an exposé in which 13 women came forward with similar and harrowing allegations against the singer.

Sarhadi filed a civil lawsuit in November 2023, but serving Sane with the suit became increasingly difficult, with reports suggesting he had fled the United States to avoid legal consequences. She also filed suit against the band itself for negligence, though those claims were later dismissed.

The court’s ruling on July 22 marks a significant milestone in a case that has shaken the punk and activist music scenes. Once heralded for their political messaging and advocacy, Anti-Flag‘s legacy has been deeply tarnished by the allegations and revelations surrounding their former frontman.

While Sane has not responded publicly to the court’s decision, nor to the civil complaint itself, the default judgment holds him financially accountable for the impact of his alleged actions. Sarhadi‘s legal team has not yet issued a formal statement following the ruling, but the judgment represents a moment of recognition and validation for her and others who have come forward.