Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed an emergency motion to dismiss a $100 million sexual assault lawsuit, which resulted in a default judgment. The lawsuit, brought by inmate Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, claims Combs assaulted him in 1997. Diddy’s attorneys argue the lawsuit is baseless and that Combs was unaware of it until after the default ruling.
“This is a frivolous lawsuit… filed by a convicted rapist and serial litigant with an overactive imagination,” Combs’ legal team stated. The mogul was reportedly never served the lawsuit and only learned about it from media coverage, according to court filings.
Allegations and Controversy
Cardello-Smith, currently serving up to 75 years for sexual assault and kidnapping, alleges that Combs assaulted him in a Detroit hotel room after an event in 1997. He claims Combs offered him a drink, after which he lost consciousness and later awoke in pain.
In addition, Cardello-Smith claims Combs offered him $2.3 million during a prison visit to settle the case. “Diddy stated that he would make me an offer to end the case,” said Cardello-Smith, according to court documents.
Diddy’s legal team has strongly refuted these allegations, labeling the claims as “objectively unbelievable.” They point out inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s story, such as conflicting locations of the incident. “In his complaint, [Cardello-Smith] alleges that the assault occurred after he met Mr. Combs in Detroit. In his pretrial statement, however, he alleges it happened in Adrian, Michigan,” the motion states.
Diddy Denies Knowledge of the Lawsuit
Combs’ attorneys have expressed their intent to overturn the ruling, emphasizing that Combs had no prior knowledge of the lawsuit. “He has never heard of [Cardello-Smith] let alone been served with any lawsuit,” stated Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ lawyer. They also seek to remove a temporary restraining order placed on Combs as part of the judgment.
Combs is facing multiple lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct.