Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Fights Sexual Misconduct Lawsuit

Sean “Diddy” Combs has requested a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones which accuses the hip-hop mogul of a wide range of sexual abuse and misconduct, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Jones filed his lawsuit on February 26 in which he makes a number of accusations against Combs, including sexual misconduct, grooming and participating in sex-trafficking activity. Attorneys for Combs have strongly denied the allegations, previously saying: “We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”
According to the AP, Combs’ motion filed on Monday described the lawsuit as a collection of “tall tales” and “lurid theatrics” intended to generate media buzz and force a settlement. Combs’ legal team argues that the case is filled with “legally meaningless allegations” and “blatant falsehoods” that fail to establish a credible claim including the absence of crucial details, such as specific times and locations of the alleged incidents.
In an emailed statement to Newsweek, Combs’ Lawyer, Erica Wolff continued to condemn the lawsuit stating, “Mr. Jones’s lawsuit is pure fiction—a shameless attempt to create media hype and extract a quick settlement. There was no RICO conspiracy and Mr. Jones was not threatened, groomed, assaulted, or trafficked. We look forward to proving—in a court of law—that all of Mr. Jones’s claims are made-up and must be dismissed.”
However, Jones’ lawsuit, which also implicates Combs’ son and several business associates, details his experiences working with Combs in Los Angeles and Miami while producing an album in 2022 and 2023. Jones claims to have witnessed and recorded numerous instances of illegal drug use and sexual misconduct by Combs and his entourage.
In response to Combs’ motion, Tyrone Blackburn, an attorney representing Jones, condemned the motion in an emailed statement to Newsweek.
“This is nothing more than a billing exercise by Sean Combs’ latest set of lawyers. It is a weak attempt to fill their pockets before he is indicted, and they decide to haul a**, just like his five previous lawyers did. Regarding Cotes’ opinion, if their client does not engage in salacious behavior, I would not have anything salacious to file. I pick my clients; I do not pick their facts,” Blackburn said.
He added: “Notice that there is no affidavit from Sean Combs and no defense from Justin Combs. Rodney Jones filed an affidavit under penalty of perjury to the truth of the matter asserted in the filing. Can Sean Combs do the same?!”
Newsweek reached out to Jones’ attorney and a spokesperson for Combs via email on Monday for comment.
The lawsuit is only the latest in a series of legal challenges Combs has faced over the past year. In March, federal authorities raided his homes in Florida and California as part of an ongoing sex trafficking investigation but no charges have been filed, the AP previously reported.
In response to the raid, Blackburn gave a statement saying: “About damn time. Sometimes justice delayed is not justice denied, so long as justice ultimately arrives.”
While Aaron Dyer, Combs’ attorney, said in a statement of the raids: “There was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences.” Dyer also said his client was cooperating with authorities and that there has been no finding of criminal or civil liability in relation to any of the allegations.
This was followed by the May release of a 2016 hotel security video by CNN, showing Combs violently assaulting R&B singer Cassie, his former protege and longtime girlfriend. The video closely aligns with allegations in a lawsuit Cassie filed against Combs in November, which was settled but has intensified scrutiny on the Combs.
In response to the video, Combs issued a public apology, admitting his actions were “inexcusable.”
Meanwhile, among the more serious allegations, Jones accuses Combs of attempting to groom him for sex, groping him and pressuring him to solicit and engage with prostitutes. Combs’ legal team, however, argues that the lawsuit fails to provide basic facts, such as the locations and details of the alleged assaults, and lacks evidence that Jones was coerced in any meaningful way.
Combs has consistently denied the various allegations against him, stating in December: “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
Update: 8/26/24, 6:58 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Combs’ lawyer and Jones’ lawyer.