Diddy aims to dismiss producer’s lawsuit, calls it ‘blatant falsehoods’

Sean “Diddy” Combs requested a federal judge on Monday to dismiss a lawsuit brought against him by music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones. Jones accuses the music mogul of various forms of sexual abuse and other misconduct.

Jones’ suit, filed in February, accuses Combs of a wide range of inappropriate behaviors. However, Combs’ legal team argues that the lawsuit is filled with “tall tales,” “lurid theatrics,” and “blatant falsehoods.” They claim the intent of these allegations is merely to “generate media hype” and force a settlement.

The motion to dismiss filed in federal court in New York argues that Jones’ lawsuit does not establish his standing to sue and lacks essential details, such as specific times and locations of the alleged incidents. According to Combs’ legal team, the case fails to present a single viable claim.

Additional lawsuits alleging abuse by Combs had already been filed prior to Jones’ February suit. However, the situation escalated in March when simultaneous raids on Combs’ Florida and California homes revealed an ongoing federal criminal sex trafficking investigation.

In May, CNN released 2016 hotel security footage showing Combs in a physical altercation with R&B singer Cassie, who was his protege and long-term girlfriend at the time. The video showed Combs punching, kicking, and dragging Cassie, which closely matched the description in a lawsuit she filed in November. Although this lawsuit was settled the following day, it led to increased scrutiny of Combs.

Subsequently, Combs posted an apology video on social media, describing his actions as “inexcusable” and expressing his “true sorrow.”

Jones’ extensive lawsuit, which also names Combs’ son and several associates, details a year he spent in Combs’ circles in Los Angeles and Miami while producing an album in 2022 and 2023. Jones claims he witnessed and recorded hundreds of hours of illegal drug use and sexual activities involving Combs and his associates.

Combs’ recent motion maintains that Jones’ lawsuit is “replete with farfetched tales of misconduct” but offers few allegations directly involving Jones other than not being compensated for his production work. Combs’ team argues that the lawsuit aims to turn a commercial dispute into a broad criminal conspiracy without substantial evidence.

Jones further alleges that Combs attempted to groom him for sex, groped him, made him solicit prostitutes, and pressured him to engage in sexual activities. However, Combs’ legal team points out that Jones’ claims lack basic details such as the locations, times, and specific events of the alleged assaults. They also argue that Jones fails to provide evidence that he was coerced, which would be necessary to establish him as a victim.

The Associated Press typically does not identify individuals alleging sexual abuse unless they come forward publicly, as both Jones and Cassie have done. Combs has broadly denied all the allegations in these lawsuits. In a December post, he stated, “Let me be absolutely clear. I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”

Source: Associated Press