Sean "Diddy" Combs Moves to Dismiss RICO and Sex Trafficking Lawsuit as Baseless "Media Hype"

Sean "Diddy" Combs is vigorously fighting allegations made in a lawsuit by his former employee, Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones, claiming that the suit's "true purpose" is to "generate media hype and exploit it to extract a settlement." In a motion filed Monday in Manhattan federal court, Diddy’s legal team sought to dismiss the case, arguing that the claims are filled with "legally meaningless allegations and blatant falsehoods."

Jones, a music producer who worked on Diddy's recent album, first filed the lawsuit in February, alleging that Diddy and several others were part of a "RICO enterprise" involved in the distribution of drugs, firearms, and sex workers, including minors. The complaint also accused Diddy of sex trafficking and sexual assault, with Jones alleging he was subjected to "constant unsolicited" groping and that Diddy attempted to groom him into participating in sexual acts with others, including actor Cuba Gooding Jr.

The suit, which seeks $30 million in damages, was amended in March, coinciding with federal raids on two of Diddy’s homes, reportedly connected to a sex trafficking investigation. At that time, it was the fifth lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct following a high-profile case in November when Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie accused him of rape and physical abuse—a case that was settled soon after.

Diddy’s legal team argued against each of Jones' claims in their motion to dismiss, labeling the lawsuit as Jones' "third attempt to dress up a run-of-the-mill commercial disagreement as a salacious RICO conspiracy." The motion criticized the nearly 100-page complaint for being filled with "countless tall tales, shameless celebrity namedrops, and irrelevant images" while failing to substantiate a single viable claim against Diddy or his associates.

“Jones’ second amended complaint is his third attempt to dress up a run-of-the-mill commercial disagreement as a salacious RICO conspiracy,” the motion states. “Running to nearly 100 pages, it includes countless tall tales, shameless celebrity namedrops, and irrelevant images. Yet, despite all its hyperbole and lurid theatrics, the SAC fails to state a single viable claim against any of the Combs defendants.”

The lawsuit's credibility is further questioned by Diddy’s attorneys, who allege that Jones is exploiting the legal process for his own gain. The motion to dismiss highlights a video Jones posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he appears to mock the lawsuit, despite claiming “severe emotional distress.” In the video, Jones demands, "Pay me that money by Monday," and warns, "I'm from Chicago, we don’t play about our business."

Diddy’s attorneys also pointed out that Jones’ lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn, has a history of filing cases in federal court to generate media attention and pressure defendants into settling. They noted that Blackburn was recently referred to a court grievance committee for this behavior.

“Mr. Jones is nothing more than a con man, shamelessly looking for an easy and wholly undeserved payday,” said Diddy’s attorney, Shawn Holley, in a statement. “We have indisputable, incontrovertible proof that his claims are complete fabrications. Our attempts to share this proof with Mr. Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, have been ignored, as Mr. Blackburn has refused to return our calls. We look forward to addressing these ridiculous claims in court, and intend to take all appropriate action against all who are attempting to peddle them.”

In response, Blackburn described the motion to dismiss as "nothing more than a billing exercise by Sean Combs’ latest set of lawyers." He dismissed Diddy’s legal maneuvers as an attempt to delay the inevitable, saying, "It is a weak attempt to fill their pockets before he is indicted, and they decide to haul ass, just like his five previous lawyers did. 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."

Diddy’s legal team has moved to dismiss all claims, arguing that Jones' lawsuit does not provide sufficient evidence of a RICO enterprise, fails to specify where and when any alleged sexual assault occurred, and lacks proof of threats or coercion. They also contest the breach of oral contract and emotional distress claims Jones included in his suit.

The high-profile case has garnered significant media attention due to the severe allegations and the involvement of major celebrities. As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes are on the court to see whether the judge will dismiss the case or allow it to move forward.

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Utgivningsdatum

Ljudbok: 29 augusti 2024