Current:Home > ScamsSean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit -AssetTrainer
Sean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit
View
Date:2025-04-12 12:31:00
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! (65274)
Related
- Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
- Connecticut to decide on constitution change to make mail-in voting easier
- North Dakota’s lone congressman seeks to continue GOP’s decades-old grip on the governor’s post
- Two Democratic leaders seek reelection in competitive races in New Mexico
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- CFP rankings channel today: How to watch first College Football Playoff poll
- Marshon Lattimore trade grades: Did Commanders or Saints win deal for CB?
- North Dakota measures would end local property taxes and legalize recreational marijuana
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Legislature’s majorities and picking a new state attorney general are on the Pennsylvania ballot
Ranking
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Democratic-backed justices look to defend control of Michigan’s Supreme Court
- 'Yellowstone' star Luke Grimes on adapting to country culture
- Ohio set to decide constitutional amendment establishing a citizen-led redistricting commission
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- Za'Darius Smith trade winners, losers: Lions land Aidan Hutchinson replacement
- California voters weigh measures on shoplifting, forced labor and minimum wage
- Republican Mike Braun faces Republican-turned-Democrat Jennifer McCormick in Indiana governor’s race
Recommendation
Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
Abortion and open primaries are on the ballot in Nevada. What to know about the key 2024 measures
Marshon Lattimore trade grades: Did Commanders or Saints win deal for CB?
Republicans hope to retain 3 open Indiana House seats and target another long held by Democrats
Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
GOP senator from North Dakota faces Democratic challenger making her 2nd US Senate bid
Banana Republic Outlet Quietly Dropped Early Black Friday Deals—Fur Coats, Sweaters & More for 70% Off
Democrats in Ohio defending 3 key seats in fight for control of US House