Judge dismisses Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs sexual assault lawsuit
Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs has had a sexual assault lawsuit dismissed.
Danity Kane and Diddy – Dirty Money singer Dawn Richard, who won MTV’s Making the Band, sued the Bad Boy boss in September 2024, claiming he “subjected her to years of inhumane working conditions which included groping, assault, and false imprisonment.”
However, on June 12th, Judge Katherine Polk Failla dismissed the case, stating it was filed past the statute of limitations.
“Mr Combs’s conduct for which plaintiff sues – while indisputably odious – ceased in 2011 or 2012,” she wrote, according to Billboard. “Plaintiff does not allege that Mr Combs committed any tortious conduct against her again in the twelve or thirteen years before she filed suit.”
She continued, “Mr Combs’ and Mr Pierre’s threats were undoubtedly intended to discourage plaintiff from unveiling their misdeeds and holding them to account. But the threats themselves did not conceal defendants’ misdeeds from plaintiff; if anything, they made her more aware.”
In a statement following the dismissal, Richard’s attorney, Arick Fudali, said, “We are encouraged and look forward to pursuing our primary claim filed under the gender motivated violence act in state court in New York City, per the judge’s decision. We intend to continue to fight for Dawn until justice is achieved.”
Combs’ lawyer, Juda S Engelmayer, revealed Combs and the rest of his legal team were “pleased” with the decision.
“For quite some time, allegations from this lawsuit generated headlines around the world,” she said. “Today’s decision dismissing the case is an important reminder that allegations are not findings and that courts exist to evaluate claims under established legal standards.”
Combs is currently serving 50 months in prison after being found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.