CNN —
Sean “Diddy” Combs is seeking dismissal of a civil lawsuit filed by producer Rodney Jones, known as “Lil Rod,” who sued the embattled businessman and musician earlier this year for sexual assault, sexual harassment and sexual grooming.
In a motion to dismiss the lawsuit filed Monday in federal court for the Southern District of New York, Combs argues that Jones’ lawsuit is without merit and is intended to reach a financial settlement and gain media attention.
Jones, a music producer and videographer, says in the lawsuit that he worked with Combs on his latest album, “Love,” in 2022 and 2023. Jones alleges that Combs did not pay him for his work as a music producer, coerced and threatened him into procuring and interacting with sex workers, and provided clients with drug-laced alcoholic drinks at parties at his house.
Jones is seeking $30 million in damages in his lawsuit against Combs, which he initially filed in February 2024. Jones moved to voluntarily dismiss some of the defendants’ lawsuits, and a judge granted the motion in May.
Combs’ motion to dismiss says Jones’ complaint is “riddled with legally meritless allegations and blatant falsehoods.” Despite “exaggerations and salacious portrayals,” new court documents say Jones’ lawsuit “fails to state a single viable claim” against Combs and his business entities, which are listed as additional defendants.
In addition to denying Jones’ claims, Combs accuses Jones of using serious allegations against him to “promote his own brand and profit from the exposure.” The lawsuit cites recent social media posts in which Jones is seen talking about his lawsuit against Combs and laughing and smiling in the video. A source close to Combs told CNN that Jones and his attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, have received a cease and desist order in connection with the social media videos.
Jones’ lawyer, Blackburn, told CNN that Combs’ motion to dismiss the lawsuit is a “delaying tactic” and “nothing more than the latest billing push by Combs’ legal team in an apparent attempt to line their own pockets.” Blackburn said his client’s case is loaded with evidence.
“Because Ms. Jones has failed to allege the most basic facts, such as when and where the alleged assaults occurred and what allegedly happened, Ms. Jones’ sexual assault claim against Ms. Combs must be dismissed,” Combs’ lawyers wrote in the motion.
The motion also seeks to dismiss other allegations, including Combs’ “pattern of coordinated activity,” liability for sexual advances from third parties and emotional distress for Jones.
Jones’ complaint is one of nine filed against Combs since November and the eighth to directly accuse him of sexual assault. One of the eight lawsuits, filed by his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, has been settled. Another lawsuit alleges his son, Christian Combs, sexually assaulted him and Sean Combs aided and abetted him. Combs and his son have denied the allegations against them.
After CNN denied Ventura’s accusations, Combs released a video of him physically abusing Ventura, which resulted in Combs apologizing, his first admission of wrongdoing, though he continues to maintain that he is not responsible for most of the allegations against him.
This is Combs’ fifth pending motion to dismiss parts of the lawsuit or the entire complaint.
The case Combs faces is a civil lawsuit, but sources familiar with the investigation said federal investigators are open to using a grand jury, CNN reported in May, suggesting the Department of Justice is moving toward seeking an indictment against Combs.
A source familiar with the investigation’s status told CNN that Combs has been informed he is the target of a criminal investigation, but has not yet received a targeting letter from authorities. The investigation is ongoing, but there has been no indication as to if or when Combs will be charged.