Current:Home > MySean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit -Elevate Capital Network
Sean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit
Ethermac View
Date:2025-04-10 16:29:01
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! (59)
Related
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Greek lawmakers are debating a landmark bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Here’s what it means
- The CDC may be reconsidering its COVID isolation guidance
- Oklahoma country radio station won't play Beyoncé's new song. Here's why
- Pregnant Kylie Kelce Shares Hilarious Question Her Daughter Asked Jason Kelce Amid Rising Fame
- Judge to consider whether to remove District Attorney Fani Willis from Georgia election case
- How to have 'Perfect Days' in a flawed world — this film embraces beauty all around
- American woman killed in apparent drug dealer crossfire in Mexican resort city of Tulum
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Stock Up on Outdoor Winter Essentials with These Amazing Deals from Sorel, North Face, REI & More
Ranking
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Police arrest man in theft of Jackie Robinson statue, no evidence of a hate crime
- You'll Go Wild Over Blake Lively's Giraffe Print Outfit at Michael Kors' NYFW Show
- Nick and Aaron Carter's sister Bobbie Jean Carter's cause of death revealed: Reports
- Trump's 'stop
- Dolly Parton says to forgive singer Elle King after Grand Ole Opry performance
- NATO chief hails record defense spending and warns that Trump’s remarks undermine security
- Here's why you shouldn't have sex this Valentine's Day, according to a sex therapist
Recommendation
Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
Kylie Jenner Flaunts Her Toned Six Pack in New Photos
NBA All-Star game: Kentucky basketball sets record with 7 participants
Taylor Swift makes it to 2024 Super Bowl to cheer on Travis Kelce with guests Blake Lively, Ice Spice
South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
Lawmakers honor House clerk who served during chaos of Jan. 6 and McCarthy speaker votes
Watch extended cut of Ben Affleck's popular Dunkin' Super Bowl commercial
Brittany Mahomes Says She’s in “Awe” of Patrick Mahomes After Super Bowl Win