Attorneys representing Sean “Diddy” Combs are seeking to have a Jane Doe sex trafficking lawsuit against the hip-hop mogul dismissed, arguing that an extension of the statute of limitations created by New York City’s progressive city council is invalid and contradicts state law. The lawsuit, filed under the city’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, accuses Combs and two other executives of sexually assaulting an 11th-grader in 2003. Combs’ attorneys have vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “entirely false and hideous,” and arguing that the statute of limitations has expired, along with any extension windows created by prior laws. They are disputing the validity of the city law that created a new extension window.
The lawsuit has caused significant damage to Combs’ reputation and business standing, according to his legal team. They are contending that New York state law supersedes city law, and are asking the court to close the extension window created by the city council’s amendment to the VGM law. Combs’ attorneys have made arguments against the retroactive application of the law to his companies and are confident that the judge will rule in their favor. However, Michael Willemin, an attorney representing Jane Doe, is equally confident that Combs will not be able to avoid accountability for the allegations of sexual assault and gang rape.
Legal experts have expressed varied opinions on the likelihood of Combs’ motion to dismiss being successful. While some believe that the city council cannot unilaterally change the law and that the case should be allowed to move forward, others feel that there are valid arguments on both sides. The civil complaint includes images purportedly showing the victim in a music studio connected to Combs, with two other individuals also named in the lawsuit. Combs has denied all allegations and has not been charged with a crime, while one of the other defendants has also denied any wrongdoing.
Combs has been facing multiple lawsuits and legal challenges in recent months, including federal raids on his properties as part of a Homeland Security Investigations probe. He has previously stated that some of his accusers are motivated by a desire for financial gain. In addition to the sex abuse allegations, Combs is also facing litigation related to unpaid bills from a design firm in New Orleans. The lawyer in that case expects to see more business-related lawsuits against Combs in the future. Overall, the legal battle surrounding the hip-hop mogul is ongoing, with arguments about the applicability of city and state law at the forefront of the dispute.
