Current:Home > NewsSean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit -VisionFunds
Sean 'Diddy' Combs files motion to dismiss sex trafficking claim in sexual assault lawsuit
View
Date:2025-04-14 16:34:51
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! (944)
Related
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Military ends rescue search for Navy SEALs lost in maritime raid on ship with Iranian weapons
- Stanford's Tara VanDerveer: Timeline of success for all-time winningest college basketball coach
- US government rejects complaint that woman was improperly denied an emergency abortion in Oklahoma
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Lions host Bucs in divisional round, aiming to win 2 playoff games in season for 1st time since 1957
- Saudi Arabia won’t recognize Israel without a path to a Palestinian state, top diplomat says
- Gaza doctor describes conditions inside his overwhelmed hospital as Israeli forces advance
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Nikki Haley goes on offense against Trump days before New Hampshire primary
Ranking
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Chiefs-Bills marks Patrick Mahomes' first road playoff game. He's 'excited' for challenge.
- Elderly couple, disabled son die in house fire in Galveston, Texas
- Simone Biles Supports Husband Jonathan Owens After Packers Lose in Playoffs
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Report: US sees 91 winter weather related deaths
- Marlena Shaw, 'California Soul' singer, dead at 81: 'Beloved icon and artist'
- Who is Joey Graziadei? What to know about the leading man of 'The Bachelor' Season 28
Recommendation
The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
Sarah Ferguson Details “Shock” of Skin Cancer Diagnosis After Breast Cancer Treatment
Democrats believe abortion will motivate voters in 2024. Will it be enough?
Lions vs. Bucs highlights: How Detroit topped Tampa Bay to reach NFC championship game
Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, Diagnosed With Skin Cancer After Breast Cancer Battle
Turkey investigates 8 bodies that washed up on its Mediterranean coast, including at a resort
Costco is selling dupe of luxury Anthropologie mirror, shoppers weigh in on social media