Diddy Wins Dismissal of Lil Rod's RICO, Breach of Contract Claims as Civil Lawsuit Moves Forward
Sean 'Diddy' Combs won a small portion of his uphill legal battle on Monday when a federal judge dismissed the Racketeer Influenced and Corruption Act (RICO) portion and four other causes of action brought in the legal filing from Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones, the producer whose accusations preceded a flood of legal complaints against the rap mogul and his company.
On Monday, Judge J. Paul Oetken of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York weighed in on Combs' defense team's motion to dismiss Jones v. Combs et al., in a 31-page opinion, granting the motion in part but denying other portions related to sexual assault and trafficking. The slimmed-down civil case will still move forward, but with the racketeering accusation struck from the case, along with the breach of contract claim and three causes of action related to infliction of emotional distress. Judge Oetken also dismissed a claim in the suit related to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
More from The Hollywood Reporter
Calling All Deadheads: 2025's Best Grateful Dead Merch
Beat Music Fund Strikes Catalog Deal With Tiga Covering Such Hits as "Sunglasses at Night"
Napster Finds New Owners in $200M Acquisition
In the dismissal of the RICO element of the lawsuit, the judge decided that Jones' case fails to prove any injury to his business or property caused by a RICO enterprise overseen by Diddy and therefore, he can't sue under the claim that his complaints relate to any alleged illicit enterprise. The judge said Jones' nonpayment claim also lacked a 'causal connection' with any purported racketeering activity.
'[Combs'] alleged refusal to honor the contract with Jones is not itself a RICO predicate act, even if the contract breach resulted from Jones's refusal to participate in Combs's alleged racketeering scheme,' the judge wrote. 'In sum, whether or not Jones has adequately alleged the existence of a RICO enterprise, he has not tied the activities of that enterprise to defendants' breach of contract, or any other 'business or property' harm incurred by Jones.'
The breach of contract element was dismissed because nothing relating to a payment agreement was in writing, and a year has passed since any alleged agreement was made between Jones and Combs or his company. The claims of emotional distress were also found to be legally deficient.
Judge Oetken's decision was lopsided, however, and Combs, along with his Chief of Staff Kristina Khorram, will still have to answer for claims of sex trafficking; additional claims against Combs related to sexual assault and premises liability will also proceed, the judge decided, but the trafficking claim against Combs Global was dismissed.
In 2022, Jones was hired by Combs to work on what would become The Love Album: Off the Grid, Combs' first studio record since 2006. He spent over a year in Combs' inner circle, living and traveling with Combs and he also became his videographer in the day-to-day. When he exited the mogul's orbit, he claims he was groomed, abused, exploited, and stiffed on $50,000 in payment, publishing shares and royalties for his work on the Grammy-nominated album.
Jones' case was filed on Feb. 26 in New York federal court seeking $30 million in restitution. In the lengthy filing, which was later amended to add more damning allegations, Jones levels harsh accusations against Combs include alleging that he was sexually assaulted, allegedly forced by Combs to engage in sex acts, made to solicit sex workers, drugged, humiliated and says he was repeatedly groped on his anus and genitals while in Combs' orbit.
While portions of the case will proceed after Monday's decision, the judge was curt as it admonished Jones and his attorney, using some strong language to cast off the plaintiff's attempted legal maneuver and his counsel's conduct. Judge Oetken states that Jones' effort to convert a 'garden variety…. breach of contract case' into a RICO suit' falls flat.
'Jones fails to address any [racketeering] arguments in his opposition brief, and while the Court prefers to decide issues on the merits, it should not be necessary to root around a 402-paragraph complaint to contrive novel arguments on Jones's behalf,' he wrote in his memo.
A special 'warning to counsel' section was also included in the decision, directed to Blackburn, stating that his filings are 'replete with inaccurate statements of law, conclusory accusations, and inappropriate ad hominem attacks on opposing counsel.'
'For example, in urging the Court to consider a grand jury indictment of Combs on related criminal charges, Blackburn writes 'as evidenced by U.S. Attorney Williams's press conference and the Grand Jury indictment… Defendant Sean Combs and the Combs RICO Enterprise are presumed guilty of being a RICO criminal organization,'' the judge quoted before writing, 'That any licensed member of the bar would espouse such an absurd understanding of the law is not just disturbing, but shocking.'
The judge wrote that the operative complaint and Blackburn's opposition brief are full of similar irrelevant insults, misstatements, and exaggerations. He added that the court 'will not hold Blackburn's antics against Jones at this point,' but warned the attorney of looming sanctions or referral for discipline should such conduct continue.
Blackburn told The Hollywood Reporter on Tuesday that he respects Judge Oetkens's order and opinion and is pleased with the decision, as he can now proceed with legal discovery related to the case, naming both Combs and Khorram.
'We view this as a win. [The] defendants wanted a total dismissal, and they failed to get it,' Blackburn said. 'I know where all of the bodies are buried, and I have a huge shovel. Time to start digging!'
Khorram broke her silence last week, months after being named in at least three civil lawsuits alongside her former boss, claiming that she is innocent and that she has 'never condoned or aided and abetted the sexual assault of anyone.'
Combs is currently being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as he awaits trial in May, following his September arrest on federal RICO and sex trafficking charges. The beleaguered rap mogul is also facing dozens of lawsuits claiming he was involved in sex trafficking, sexual assault and misconduct over his decades in the music and fashion industry. He has denied all legal claims against him.
Best of The Hollywood Reporter
Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More
Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More
Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2024: Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo and More
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
30 minutes ago
Diddy trial day 25 recap: Prosecutors try to drop a juror over 'lack of candor'
A surprise controversy surrounding a juror erupted Wednesday as the 25th day of Sean Combs' sex trafficking trial opened. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian told a hushed court that he is considering removing one of the 12 jurors after prosecutors suggested the man demonstrated a "lack of candor" with the court. Neither the judge nor the attorneys in the case detailed the specific issues at work. Defense attorneys, however, took issue with the possibility that Juror No. 6 might be thrown off the panel. Noting that the juror is a middle-aged Black man from the Bronx, Combs' lawyers accused prosecutors of a "thinly veiled effort to dismiss a Black juror." It's not the first time Combs' lawyers have accused federal prosecutors of attempting to unfairly remove Black jurors. During the first week of testimony in the trial, when both sides finalized the jury, defense attorney Marc Agnifilo accused federal prosecutors of bias after most of the government's nine peremptory strikes were used on Black prospective jurors. The judge rejected the defense's challenge, saying the government had provided "race-neutral reasons" to strike the jurors. The judge told Combs and the attorneys that he would decide what to do by Friday and then Combs' lawyers resumed their cross-examination of a woman who accused the rap mogul of coercing her into sex during their three-year relationship. The woman, testifying under the pseudonym "Jane," told jurors during questioning from prosecutors that Combs strung her along for years in what she thought was a loving relationship. In reality, she testified that she was used by Combs to satisfy his extreme sexual appetites that played themselves out through days-long orgies she called "hotel nights." She testified that the drug-fueled sessions allegedly required her to have sex with male prostitutes while Combs watched, directed and masturbated to scenes of his own design. Jane told the jury that Combs threatened to stop paying her rent or to release sexually explicit videos of her if she refused to participate in the sexual escapades. Prosecutors argue that Combs used his wealth, status, and business empire to coerce both Jane and the singer Cassie Ventura -- another ex-girlfriend who was the prosecution's star witness -- into first participating in the sex parties then forcing them into silence. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy and transportation to engage in prostitution. His lawyers argue that all sexual encounters were consensual and that Combs led a "polyamorous" lifestyle that was strictly legal. Defense attorneys spent most of Wednesday trying to use Jane's own words in text messages to show that she was a willing participant in Combs' sex life, not the victim of force or coercion. Defense attorneys paint Jane as a willing participant Combs' attorney Teny Geragos spent the better part of the day grilling Jane by showing the jury multiple text messages between Jane and Combs that suggested she was initiating sexual conversations. "What are you doing, baby?" Jane wrote to Combs in one message read for the jury. "Horny for me?" In one message, Geragos was able to extract from Jane the testimony that Combs obliged one time when Jane said she did not want to engage in a sex performance with a male prostitute. During another part of her testimony, Jane told the jury about two other instances when she declined to have sex with other escorts because she was not attracted to them. Jane also testified there was a two-month stretch in 2022 when there were no "hotel nights." When they were engaging in the sex parties, she testified she would buy matching shorts for Combs and the escorts to wear as well as erection pills. After Jane complained to Combs about him spending time with another woman, she said Combs invited her to leave the relationship. "It's not right how you're treating me right now and how you're doing me and the last thing I'd expect from you is coming at me sideways about a girl you like," Jane wrote. "You completely had your way with me." The message concluded, "You have me feeling so taken advantage of." Combs' response was not read aloud but Geragos characterized it as, "He was saying if the relationship was as toxic as you say you were welcome to leave, right?" Jane replied, "That's what he was saying." Defense tries to cast doubt on Jane's earlier testimony about "hotel nights" During days of direct examination, prosecutors used Jane's words to try to highlight a pattern when Combs would allegedly host Jane for a romantic weekend -- which she said she believed would not involve having sex with male escorts -- before pressuring her to participate in so-called "hotel nights." She told jurors that she regretted going on a trip in 2023 to Turks and Caicos because Combs pressured her to have sex with a male escort named Paul. On cross examination, defense attorneys introduced evidence showing Jane expressed gratitude for Combs during the trip. "You are truly a blessing in my life. have never had a man take care of me like you," Jane wrote in a text to Combs during the trip. "I feel blessed to have you in my life and I only wish to be a blessing in yours." Jane became emotional and cried as she testified about the text, saying she could not continue reading the entire message. She also testified about being pressured to have sex with three male escorts in Miami after Combs invited her to celebrate her own birthday. "I am given my gift, I'm taking a pill and awaiting an entertainer," Jane said, describing a pattern that she testified defined her relationship. Combs' attorneys, though, seized on a text message Jane sent to Combs on her way home: "Just wanted to say I loved and appreciated every detail you put together for my birthday." "You tell him you love and appreciate every detail, right?" Geragos asked.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Columbus Recreation and Parks offers 'Go, Lunch!' summer program
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department kicked off its summer meal program to help children throughout the city get meals while on summer break. The goal of the 'Go, Lunch!' program is to continue offering free and nutritious meals to the children in the community. Wednesday's event was held at the Scioto Southland Community Center. How a small town was revamped into 'Ohio's most loveable downtown' Meals are available at community centers or other locations around Columbus for youth ages 18 and younger. 'We want to make sure that kids are enjoying what they're eating and that it's not just, 'Oh, this is just another something, right?'' Kyra Jones, administrative manager of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, said. Columbus Recreation and Parks said more than 245,000 meals were served in the Columbus area last summer. Organizers want parents to know these resources will be available again this year. 'We know that budgets are tight, right, so families are struggling to make sure they have all of their needs met,' Jones said. 'We want to help bridge that gap, so bring your child out for breakfast, bring them out for lunch, it's on us. It's free, no charge to the community, and all you have to do is call ahead to find out what times they are. We're here to support all of our families.' Stonewall Columbus Pride guide: What to know for this weekend's celebration During Wednesday's event, children enjoyed lawn games and a special appearance by Munch the Fox, mascot for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. 'It brings a smile to my heart,' Jones said. 'I hope that this program continues to flourish, I hope that we continue to grow. We would love to get even more communities. We're as far east as Reynoldsburg, we'd love to get in more north side communities to make sure that we are supporting the entire, not just Columbus community, but Franklin County.' Applications are now open for any nonprofit organization that would like to become a part of the summer lunch program. To apply, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Tommy Wirkola Returning to Direct ‘Violent Night 2' (Exclusive)
Tommy Wirkola is back in the sleigh for Violent Night 2, the sequel to its Christmas-themed action movie released in 2022, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter. The studio on Wednesday dated the sequel for a Dec. 4, 2026 unwrapping. More from The Hollywood Reporter 'Street Fighter' Movie Removed From Calendar as Phoebe Dynevor Shark Thriller Moves Back a Year Phoebe Dynevor Shark Thriller From Tommy Wirkola Gets Title and Summer 2025 Release Tommy Wirkola on Going From Nazi Zombies in 'Dead Snow' to Singing Semen in 'Spermageddon' David Harbour is back as the icepick-stabbing, skate-slashing Santa Claus, who in the first movie was a bitter drunk headed towards turning back on the holiday until a little girl shows him the light. It's unclear if his lucidity will remain intact for the second outing. Also unclear is if the new story will include Mrs. Claus, briefly mention in the first movie. Universal is eying a September start of production in Winnipeg. Kelly McCormick and David Leitch of 87North are back as producers as are screenwriting team Pat Casey and Josh Miller. Violent Night proved to be a solid hit, gifting the studio a $50 million domestic haul on a budget of around $20 million. It took in an additional $25.9 million from international markets. Wirkola's previous credits include the Norwegian horror hit Dead Snow and relationship action comedy The Trip. In 2022, the filmmaker told The Hollywood Reporter he and the writers were already talking of a sequel that could incorporate ideas they couldn't fit into the first movie. 'We don't see the North Pole, we don't see Mrs. Claus and we don't see the elves,' Wirkola said. 'There were also a few ideas that we loved in the script, but we had to cut them because we couldn't afford to shoot them.' Wirkola is repped by CAA and Untitled Entertainment. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 13 of Tom Cruise's Most Jaw-Dropping Stunts Hollywood Stars Who Are One Award Away From an EGOT 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now
