Kaylah Walton
Sean “Diddy” Combs is pursuing legal action against Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, a prisoner who has filed a lawsuit alleging a sexual assault by the music producer in 1997. Diddy’s legal team, according to documents reviewed by In Touch, is requesting that a federal judge dismiss the claim, labeling it as unfounded and a continuation of Derrick’s harassment tactics.
His attorney pointed out Derrick’s criminal history, noting he is currently “serving a decades-long sentence” and accused him of misusing the legal system for “harassment and extortion.” The defense emphasized that Derrick has previously filed numerous similar lawsuits against Diddy, all of which they assert are built on “complete fabrications.”
In light of these ongoing legal challenges, Diddy has asked the court to prevent Derrick from initiating new lawsuits without prior consent and to mandate that Derrick pays Diddy’s legal fees.
The attorney stated, “This is not [Derrick’s] first attempt at a shakedown – and unless this Court intervenes, it will not be his last.” They highlighted that Derrick’s previous lawsuits had been dismissed as lacking merit, with judges criticizing his actions as “vexatious litigation.” Nevertheless, Derrick persists in filing lawsuits, including this one about events from 1997.
Potential Testimony from Lopez in Diddy’s Legal Case
Derrick claims he encountered Diddy while bartending and was subsequently invited to a party where he asserts the alleged assault took place. He alleges that Diddy drugged him and that he awoke to shocking sights. Derrick also claims Diddy confessed to the assault and suggested that government officials helped to conceal the crime. Diddy’s team has outrightly rejected these allegations, with one attorney asserting, “Mr. Combs has never heard of him, let alone been served with any lawsuit.”
Complicating the case, Derrick has recently mentioned he intends to call Jennifer Lopez as a witness. Having dated Diddy from 1999 to 2001, Derrick believes she may possess information pertinent to the case. Diddy’s lawyers, however, have pointed out discrepancies in Derrick’s story, such as accusations that the supposed assault occurred in two different counties on the same day, and argue that the lawsuit surpasses the statute of limitations.
Diddy’s legal team continues to counter what they describe as a “barrage of meritless, fraudulent filings,” working to end this perceived pattern of harassment.
