Current:Home > ScamsSean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit -Secure Growth Academy
Sean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit
SignalHub View
Date:2025-04-08 11:39:39
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! (3)
Related
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Daniel Penny indicted by grand jury in chokehold death of Jordan Neely on NYC subway
- Fate of The Kardashians Revealed on Hulu Before Season 3 Premiere
- New EPA Rule Change Saves Industry Money but Exacts a Climate Cost
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- As the pandemic ebbs, an influential COVID tracker shuts down
- Get $640 Worth of Skincare for Just $60: Peter Thomas Roth, Sunday Riley, EltaMD, Tula, Elemis, and More
- Peyton Manning surprises father and son, who has cerebral palsy, with invitation to IRONMAN World Championship
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- One of America’s 2 Icebreakers Is Falling Apart. Trump’s Wall Could Block Funding for a New One.
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Heartland Launches Website of Contrarian Climate Science Amid Struggles With Funding and Controversy
- Are there places you should still mask in, forever? Three experts weigh in
- Tennessee becomes the first state to pass a ban on public drag shows
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- All major social media platforms fail LGBTQ+ people — but Twitter is the worst, says GLAAD
- Texas Gov. Abbott signs bill banning transgender athletes from participating on college sports teams aligned with their gender identities
- Coastal Flooding Is Erasing Billions in Property Value as Sea Level Rises. That’s Bad News for Cities.
Recommendation
The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
Ukrainian soldiers benefit from U.S. prosthetics expertise but their war is different
The Truth About the Future of The Real Housewives of New Jersey
House Rep. Joaquin Castro underwent surgery to remove gastrointestinal tumors
Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
The number of mothers who die due to pregnancy or childbirth is 'unacceptable'
Coastal Flooding Is Erasing Billions in Property Value as Sea Level Rises. That’s Bad News for Cities.
5 dogs killed in fire inside RV day before Florida dog show