A judge has both granted and denied charges against Sean “Diddy” Combs in a $30 million lawsuit. It was filed by former producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who alleges sexual assault. Jones initially lodged his suit against Combs in New York in February 2024. It claimed that Combs made unwanted sexual advances and compelled him to hire sex workers and engage with them.
Sean Diddy Combs DISMISSED Of 5 Charges In Sexual Assault Lawsuit
As reported by Variety, in his lawsuit, Jones named Combs along with a “RICO enterprise” that included his son Justin; chief of staff Kristina Khorram; Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Grainge; former Motown Records CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam; several record labels; and unnamed defendants. He later refiled multiple amended complaints in the months following. Judge J. Paul Oetken granted and denied certain parts of Combs’ August 2024 motion to dismiss the case. The order also reprimanded Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, describing his conduct related to the motion as “unsettling.”
In the matter of Lil’ Rod Jones v. Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs,
After three and a half months of no filings on the docket, the Judge has ruled on the motion to dismiss. It was GRANTED in part, DENIED in part. Plus, a scolding for attorney Tyrone Blackburn. Let’s get into it. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/9bYmABy8TV
— 🧑⚖️ The Diddy Docket (@diddydocket) March 24, 2025
The judge dismissed the RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charge against Combs and Khorram. It stated he found “no viable argument in Jones’ opposition brief” . It remarked that “it should not be necessary to root around a 402-paragraph complaint to contrive novel arguments on Jones’s behalf.” Claims of negligent and intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) against Combs Global were also dismissed. However, the TVPA claims against Combs and Khorram were upheld. The judge chose not to dismiss the sexual assault and liability claims.
Warning Against Jones’ Attorney Tyrone Blackburn
The motion included a stern warning for Blackburn. It stated that his filings “are replete with inaccurate statements of law, conclusory accusations, and inappropriate ad hominem attacks on opposing counsel.” The judge noted that Blackburn’s opposition brief and complaint were filled with irrelevant insults, misstatements, and exaggerations. It also warned that any further misconduct may result in sanctions or disciplinary action. In a statement to Variety, Blackburn remarked: “A win is a win. Play time is over. Now, it is time for discovery.”
What Was The Lawsuit Filed Against Sean Diddy Combs?
Jones filed the lawsuit in February 2024. After producing six songs for Combs’ Grammy-nominated album, The Love Album: Off the Grid, which was released in September 2023. He alleges that Combs acquired and distributed ecstasy, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. It displayed illegal firearms; and laced alcoholic beverages given to minors and sex workers at his residences, among other claims.
Following Jones’ two amended complaints, Combs submitted his own motion to dismiss in August 2024. The motion stated, “Jones’ Second Amended Complaint is his third attempt to dress up a run-of-the-mill commercial disagreement as a salacious RICO conspiracy.” It continued, “Running to nearly 100 pages, it includes countless tall tales, shameless celebrity namedrops, and irrelevant images. Yet, despite all its hyperbole and lurid theatrics, the SAC fails to state a single viable claim against any of the Combs Defendants.”
Also Read: Sean Diddy Combs Pleads NOT Guilty Of S*xually Exploiting Employees In New Indictment; New Trial Set For THIS Date