A judge has ruled on key aspects of a $30 million lawsuit against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, granting some claims while dismissing others. The lawsuit was filed by former producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who accused Combs of sexual assault and other misconduct.
Jones initially took legal action in February 2024, alleging that Combs made unwanted advances, forced him to hire sex workers, and coerced him into engaging in inappropriate activities. His lawsuit named multiple defendants, including Combs’ son Justin, chief of staff Kristina Khorram, Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge, and former Motown Records CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam, among others.
However, Judge J. Paul Oetken issued a mixed ruling in response to Combs’ August 2024 motion to dismiss the case. While some claims were upheld, others were rejected, significantly altering the case’s trajectory.
The judge dismissed the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charge against Combs and Khorram, citing insufficient legal grounds. He also threw out Jones’ claims of negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) allegations against Combs Global.
Despite these dismissals, the judge upheld certain charges, including the TVPA claims against Combs and Khorram, as well as the sexual assault and liability accusations. These rulings ensure that portions of Jones’ lawsuit will proceed.
In addition to ruling on the claims, Judge Oetken reprimanded Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, over his handling of the case. The judge described Blackburn’s filings as “replete with inaccurate statements of law, conclusory accusations, and inappropriate ad hominem attacks on opposing counsel.”
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The ruling also criticized Blackburn’s opposition brief, labeling it as containing “irrelevant insults, misstatements, and exaggerations.” The judge warned that continued misconduct could lead to sanctions or disciplinary action.
Jones’ legal battle with Combs follows his involvement in the production of six songs for The Love Album: Off the Grid, which was released in September 2023 and later received a Grammy nomination. In his lawsuit, Jones alleged that Combs engaged in illegal activities, including drug distribution and firearm possession, while also endangering minors and sex workers at private gatherings.
Combs’ legal team has denied these allegations, characterizing Jones’ claims as an exaggerated attempt to transform a business dispute into a criminal case. In their motion to dismiss, Combs’ lawyers argued that Jones’ lawsuit relied on “countless tall tales, shameless celebrity namedrops, and irrelevant images.”
Following the judge’s ruling, Blackburn remained resolute. “A win is a win. Play time is over. Now, it is time for discovery,” he stated, emphasizing his intent to proceed with the remaining claims.
