Sean 'Diddy' Combs aims to discard the sexual assault accusation lawsuit brought forth by Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones
In a bid to dismiss the case, filed on Monday in a federal court within the Southern District of New York, Combs argues that Jones' lawsuit is baseless and is aimed at earning money and gained media attention.
Jones, a music producer and videographer, stated in his lawsuit that he collaborated with Combs in 2022 and 2023 for his latest album, "Love." Apart from other accusations, Jones alleged that Combs failed to pay him for his music production work, coerced him into soliciting and interacting with sex workers, threatened him, and served drinks laced with drugs to guests at his parties at home.
Jones is seeking $30 million in his lawsuit against Combs. He initially filed the complaint in February 2024. Jones voluntarily dismissed some defendants, which the judge approved in May.
Combs' motion to dismiss asserts that Jones' complaint is "jammed with legally meaningless allegations and bald-faced lies." Despite "theatrical exaggerations" and "salacious words", the court documents claim, Jones' lawsuit "fails to present a single feasible claim" against Combs and his business entities, which are also named as defendants.
Besides denying Jones' allegations, Combs also accuses Jones of exploiting serious allegations against him to "promote his personal image and benefit from publicity," citing a recent social media post where Jones discussed his lawsuit against Combs and showed himself laughing and smiling. A source close to Combs informed CNN that Jones and his attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, received a cease and desist related to the social media video.
Jones' attorney, Blackburn, described Combs' motion to dismiss as a "delay tactic" and claimed that his client's lawsuit is packed with evidence.
"This is no more than a fee-collection exercise by Combs' current team of lawyers who are clearly making an effort to boost their pockets before he [Combs] is indicted and they subsequently abandon him, like others did before," Blackburn told CNN.
Combs' legal team states in the motion that "Jones' sexual assault claim against Mr. Combs must be dismissed because Jones fails to provide the most crucial details, such as where and when any supposed assault occurred or what actually happened."
The motion further seeks to dismiss other claims, including Combs' alleged "pattern of racketeering activity," liability for sexual advances by third parties and Jones' emotional distress.
Ongoing federal investigation
Jones' lawsuit is one of nine against Combs since last November and the eighth directly accusing him of sexual assault. One of the eight lawsuits, filed by former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, has been settled. Another lawsuit accused his son Christian Combs of sexual assault, and Sean Combs is accused of aiding and abetting. Combs and his son have denied the allegations against them.
After denying claims from Ventura, CNN released a video showing Combs physically abusing her, leading to Combs issuing an apology—his first acknowledgment of any wrongdoing, although he still claims that he is not responsible for most of the accusations against him.
The lawsuits that Combs is facing are civil cases, but CNN reported in May that federal investigators were planning to use a grand jury, according to sources familiar with the investigation, indicating that the US Justice Department is progressing towards potentially charging Combs with a crime.
A source knowledgeable about the current status of the investigation informed CNN that Combs has been notified that he is the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation, but to date, he has not received a target letter from authorities. While the investigation is ongoing, there is no indication as to whether or when Combs may be indicted.
Despite the ongoing legal battles and allegations, Combs continues to maintain a high profile in the entertainment industry, attending numerous events and performances. Jones, in an attempt to gain more media attention and potentially increase his earnings, has been publicly discussing his lawsuit against Combs on various social media platforms.
