Current:Home > FinanceSean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit -Stellar Wealth Sphere
Sean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit
View
Date:2025-04-18 08:26:30
Sean "Diddy" Combs is firing back.
On Friday, Diddy's legal team filed a motion to dismiss some of the claims from a lawsuit filed by Joi Dickerson-Neal in November, accusing the music mogul of drugging and raping her as a then-college student in 1991.
His legal team is arguing that some of the claims were brought under laws that didn't exist and against companies that were not formed at the time of the alleged incident, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY.
USA TODAY has reached out to Dickerson-Neal's lawyers for comment.
Dickerson-Neal filed her complaint in November in Manhattan Supreme Court, a day before the New York State Adult Survivors Act expiration date, and alleged she was drugged, sexually assaulted and abused by Combs, and was the victim of "revenge porn," according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY.
Diddy's lawyer, Jonathan D. Davis, argues the ASA does not permit Dickerson-Neal to "revive claims under statutes that did not exist," including her claims of sex trafficking and revenge porn.
The new filing later states that Bad Boy Entertainment, Bad Boy Records and Combs Enterprises — also listed as defendants in the suit — didn't exist when the incident allegedly occurred and "no allegations of wrongdoing are pled against them," concluding that Dickerson-Neal's claims against the companies "fail as a matter of law."
Sean 'Diddy' Combsaccused of 1991 sexual assault of college student in lawsuit
Combs has denied Dickerson-Neal's allegations, claiming the incident was made up and a "money grab."
While on a school break for the holidays in January 1991, Dickerson-Neal − who was a college student at Syracuse University at the time − "reluctantly agreed" to dinner with Combs, the suit said. "During their date, Combs had intentionally drugged (Dickerson-Neal), resulting in her being in a physical state where she could not independently stand or walk," the suit alleges. Combs allegedly spiked her drink when Dickerson-Neal left it unattended to use the restroom, the suit read.
In Dickerson-Neal's filing last year, she claimed Combs videotaped the 1991 assault and distributed the tape to others in the music industry. This caused "severe harm to Ms. Dickerson-Neal's reputation, career prospects, and emotional well-being," Dickerson-Neal's attorney, Jonathan Goldhirsch, said in a news release sent to USA TODAY at the time.
Dickerson has demanded a trial by jury.
Diddy's houseswere raided by law enforcement: What does this mean for the music mogul?
Diddy is being investigated by multiple agencies for alleged sex trafficking and sexual assault. Homeland Security Investigations agents raided Combs' Los Angeles home last month, according to Rolling Stone and local Los Angeles news station Fox 11. Agents also searched Combs' Miami residence, Rolling Stone, NBC News and The Associated Press reported.
The Bad Boy Records founder is facing multiple lawsuits filed in recent months claiming the music mogul raped or sexually assaulted several alleged victims over the past few decades. Combs has denied all accusations against him.
Contributing: Pamela Avila and Naledi Ushe
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support to survivors and their loved ones in English and Spanish at: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and en Español RAINN.org/es.
veryGood! (51)
Related
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Baseball 'visionary' gathering support to get on Hall of Fame ballot
- Heat-related Texas deaths climb after Beryl left millions without power for days or longer
- Journalist ordered to pay over $5,000 to Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni for making fun of her height
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Florida man arrested, accused of making threats against Trump, Vance on social media
- WNBA All-Star game highlights: Arike Ogunbowale wins MVP as Olympians suffer loss
- Disneyland workers authorize potential strike ahead of continued contract negotiations
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Travis and Jason Kelce team up with General Mills to create Kelce Mix Cereal: Here's what it is
Ranking
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- 1 week after Trump assassination attempt: Updates on his wound, the shooter
- The Terrifying Rebecca Schaeffer Murder Details: A Star on the Rise and a Stalker's Deadly Obsession
- Man pleads guilty to federal charges in attack on Louisville mayoral candidate
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- Israeli military says it has struck several Houthi targets in Yemen in response to attacks
- A Tennessee highway trooper is shot along Interstate 40, and two suspects are on the run
- Plane crash near Ohio airport kills 3; federal authorities investigating
Recommendation
The Daily Money: Spending more on holiday travel?
Trump gunman flew drone over Pennsylvania rally venue before shooting, law enforcement sources says
How the Olympic Village Became Known For Its Sexy Escapades
Village in southern New Mexico ravaged by wildfires last month now facing another flash flood watch
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
Tampa Bay Rays put top hitter Yandy Diaz on restricted list
Marine accused of using Nazi salute during the Capitol riot sentenced to almost 5 years in prison
The Buck Moon is almost here. Here's when and where to see July's full moon.