Current:Home > StocksSean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit -Zenith Money Vision
Sean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit
NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-07 14:53:45
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! (246)
Related
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Courts in Nebraska and Missouri weigh arguments to keep abortion measures off the ballot
- Man charged in random Seattle freeway shootings faces new charges nearby
- Why Gabrielle Union Thinks She and Dwyane Wade Should Be Posting Farts After 10 Years of Marriage
- Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
- Johnny Gaudreau's Widow Meredith Shares She's Pregnant With Baby No. 3 After His Death
- Chipotle uses memes for inspiration in first-ever costume line with Spirit Halloween
- Fewer than 400 households reject $600 million Ohio train derailment settlement
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- North Carolina House Rep. Jeffrey Elmore resigning before term ends
Ranking
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Man charged in random Seattle freeway shootings faces new charges nearby
- Jenna Bush Hager Says Anna Wintour Asked Her and Hoda Kotb to “Quiet Down” at U.S. Open
- The iPhone 16, new AirPods and other highlights from Apple’s product showcase
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Who is David Muir? What to know about the ABC anchor and moderator of Harris-Trump debate
- Rachel Zoe and Husband Rodger Berman Break Up, Divorcing After 26 Years of Marriage
- Dakota Johnson Thought Energy Drink Celsius Was, Um, a Vitamin—And the Result Is Chaos
Recommendation
Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving time
Watch Louisiana tower turn into dust as city demolishes building ravaged by hurricanes
Southwest Airlines under pressure from a big shareholder shakes up its board
McDonald's Crocs Happy Meals with mini keychains coming to US
Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
Former Alabama corrections officer sentenced for drug smuggling
Who is David Muir? What to know about the ABC anchor and moderator of Harris-Trump debate
Why Gabrielle Union Thinks She and Dwyane Wade Should Be Posting Farts After 10 Years of Marriage