Combs wants to dismiss the sexual assault lawsuit filed against him by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones.
Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed a motion to dismiss the civil lawsuit filed against him by music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones. Earlier this year, Jones sued Combs for sexual assault, sexual harassment, and grooming. Combs filed a motion for dismissal in the case Monday in federal court in the Southern District of New York, citing the lawsuit has no merit and is merely an attempt to obtain a financial settlement and publicity.
In the lawsuit, Jones, a music producer and videographer, states he worked with Combs on the latter’s most recent album, “Love,” during 2022 and 2023. According to Jones, among multiple other claims, Combs never paid him for his music production work. Instead, Combs coerced him to procure and interact with sex workers, issuing threats against him, and giving alcoholic drinks mixed with drugs to guests attending parties at his residences.
Jones is seeking $30 million in damages against Combs. Although the case was originally filed in February 2024, in May, Jones voluntarily dismissed some of the named defendants–a request the Westminster judge presiding over the case granted.
Jones’ claims, of course, drew a response from Combs’ lawyers, who issued a statement in which they said his complaint was “replete with legally meaningless allegations and blatant falsehoods.” The motion to dismiss goes on to argue that, despite the “hyperbole and lurid theatrics,” nothing in Jones’ lawsuit makes out any viable claims against Combs or his business entities, also listed as defendants.
In response to these allegations, Combs has submitted two sworn declarations denying it all, branding Jones “a mercenary” whom he believes to weaponize the lawsuit for his own goals and to profit from the media glare. In fact, Combs’ motion to dismiss cited a social media post by Jones from the day before, in which he outlined the lawsuit with what appeared to be a wide-eyed grin securely in place. A close source explained to us that Jones, along with his counsel, Tyrone Blackburn “had been issued with a cease-and-desist letter” regarding that very post.
Blackburn, for his part, branded the motion to dismiss by Combs a “delay tactic” and even described it as a “billing exercise” by the current lawyers for Combs. Blackburn insisted that his client’s complaint contains factual backup for its assertions.
Combs’ lawyers have argued that Jones’ sexual assault claim is so lacking in detail that the time, place, and nature of the is impossible to discern alleged assault. As such, they’ve asked the court to throw out Jones’ complaint, which also includes various claims of Combs’ involvement in a “pattern of racketeering activity,” vicarious liability based on allegations that Combs was involved sexually with him, and causing Jones emotional distress.
Other Litigation Difficulties for Combs
Joness’ lawsuit is among nine suits against Combs since last November and is the eighth to include allegations of sexual assault. Among the other lawsuits is one by Cassie Ventura, a former girlfriend of Combs, which has since been settled. Another accuses Sean Combs’ son, Christian Combs, of sexual abuse, with the father alleged to have aided and abetted his son. Both Combs and his son have denied the abuse.
In yet another, a CNN video aired with Combs assaulting Ventura, to which he publicly apologized. This is the only one apology that Combs offered, yet denies almost all other allegations against him.
Possible Criminal Investigation
The civil and criminal lawsuits against Combs are different, and there is a possibility that a criminal one is being pursued against him. In May, CNN reported that federal investigators were willing to leverage the grand jury, an indication that the U.S. Justice Department could be gearing up to file an indictment against Combs. An individual familiar with the probe said that Combs has been notified that they are investigating and that he is in the middle of a criminal investigation. But he had not received a target letter from authorities, and there was no indication of when or if an indictment might be handed up.
Combs’ motion takes the number to five, as he files to have either some parts of lawsuits or sometimes an entire complaint thrown out. As the legal proceedings continue, both Combs and Jones are gearing up for what could be a prolonged legal battle, with Combs vigorously defending himself against the serious allegations, and Jones standing by his claims, seeking justice and compensation.
