Sean “Diddy” Combs was sued Monday in federal court by a producer on his most recent album, who accuses the music mogul of sexually harassing, drugging and threatening him over more than a year. The producer, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, says in the lawsuit that he lived and traveled with Combs from September 2022 to November 2023, during which time he recorded hours of video and audio of Combs, his staff and others “engaging in serious illegal activity.” — per NBC News.
Jones is seeking $30 million.
In his complaint, Jones said that he lived and traveled with the three-time Grammy Award winner from September 2022 to November 2023, according to NBC News. Jones alleged that Combs touched him sexually without his consent and tried to “groom’ him into having sex with another man, the Times reported.
Jones also alleged that he was not properly paid for his work as a producer on “The Love Album,” Rolling Stone reported. Earlier this month, Jones started a crowdfunding campaign online headlined “Help Me Sue Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.”
As of Monday night, more than $1,400 had been pledged.
Combs’ attorney, Shawn Holley, called Jones “a liar” who was looking for “an undeserved payday,” according to the newspaper.
“His reckless name-dropping about events that are pure fiction and simply did not happen is nothing more than a transparent attempt to garner headlines,” Holley said. “We have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn said “res ipsa loquitur,” a Latin legal term “for the thing speaks for itself.”
The lawsuit is the latest in legal issues for Combs.
In November he was sued by Casandra Ventura, his longtime girlfriend, the Times reported. She accused the singer of rape and physical abuse, but the complaint was settled in one day.
Three other cases accusing Combs of sexual assault followed. He has denied the allegations, stating that “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.” — per KIRO7.