Simran Joshi
Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed a motion to overturn a $100 million default judgment awarded in a sexual assault lawsuit filed by Michigan inmate Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith. Cardello-Smith’s lawsuit, initiated in June, alleges that Combs sexually assaulted him during a hotel party in 1997. The default judgment was granted after Combs failed to respond to the lawsuit. Combs’ legal team argues that the judgment is invalid due to lack of proper service and expired statute of limitations, while also challenging the credibility of the claims made by Cardello-Smith, a convicted felon.
Combs Seeks to Overturn $100 Million Judgment
Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed an emergency motion requesting that a Michigan court overturn a $100 million default judgment awarded to Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, a Michigan inmate who claims Combs sexually assaulted him in 1997. The judgment was granted after Combs failed to respond to the lawsuit, which he asserts was invalid because he was never served with the legal documents and only became aware of the case through media reports. Combs’ attorneys argue that the lawsuit is barred by the statute of limitations, which expired in 2007, and describe the allegations as “objectively unbelievable.”
In addition to contesting the judgment, Combs’ legal team is also seeking to dissolve a temporary restraining order obtained by Cardello-Smith. They argue that Cardello-Smith’s history of criminal convictions, including sexual assault and kidnapping, raises questions about the credibility of his claims. Combs’ attorneys emphasize that Cardello-Smith’s lawsuit should be dismissed and assert that the allegations are baseless.
Recent Allegations and Legal Challenges
The default judgment against Combs comes amid ongoing legal troubles for the music mogul, who faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. One of the recent lawsuits was filed by Dawn Richard, a former member of Danity Kane, who alleges that Combs groped and threatened her during her employment with him. Richard also claims to have witnessed Combs physically abuse his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, who filed a separate lawsuit last year alleging years of abuse and rape. Combs has denied these allegations and has described some of the claims as false and aimed at financial gain.
Combs’ legal issues have drawn significant attention, particularly after a federal investigation and a high-profile video surfaced showing him physically abusing Ventura in 2016. While Combs admitted to the behavior captured in the video, he has consistently denied other accusations against him, maintaining that the allegations are unfounded and motivated by a desire for monetary compensation.
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