Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Loses $100M Default Judgement to Michigan Inmate
Combs Defaults in Sexual Assault Lawsuit
The magnate of hip-hop, Sean “Diddy” Combs, has lost a default judgement of $100 million in a sexual assault suit lodged against him by a Michigan inmate. The judgement was handed down after Combs failed to turn up for a virtual hearing that took place on Monday, September 9.
The plaintiff, Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, who is currently serving a sentence of up to 75 years for first-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping charges, was granted this substantial reward. This verdict came despite Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, branding Cardello-Smith as a “convicted felon and sexual predator.”
Accusations Against Combs
Cardello-Smith filed the lawsuit against Combs in early June. By August, he already had a temporary restraining order against the hip-hop star. Cardello-Smith alleges that Combs had drugged and assaulted him at a party about 30 years ago.
In the inaugural hearing back in August, Cardello-Smith maintained that Combs visited him in prison and proposed $2.3 million in exchange for dropping the lawsuit. The two men reportedly met each other at a post-event gathering at a Detroit Holiday Inn in 1997 and proceeded to a private hotel room with two ladies, according to the filed complaint.
Combs Faces Other Legal Battles
It is noteworthy that Combs finds himself embroiled in multiple sexual assault cases in addition to this one. Regardless of the number of claims piled against him, he keeps asserting his innocence. Notwithstanding, federal agents raided his properties in March 2024 as part of an ongoing investigation.
Jonathan Davis, Diddy’s attorney, supported Combs’ steadfast claim of innocence. Davis stated that no matter how many lawsuits are filed, the truth remains constant that Mr. Combs has not assaulted or trafficked anyone sexually.
Court’s Verdict
The Lenawee County Circuit Court granted the judgement by default, given Combs’ non-appearance during the virtual hearing. This implies that Cardello-Smith was automatically awarded the amount mentioned in the lawsuit.
The Detroit Metro Times detailed that the temporary restraining order was designed to keep Combs from offloading any assets that might be used to satisfy any possible damages awarded to Cardello-Smith. Cardello-Smith also has, according to the publication, “a long history of challenging the judicial system”.
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This is an ongoing story and more information will be added as it becomes available.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI WRITER
NOVI STAFF WRITER The NOVI STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENovi.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Novi, Oakland County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Motor City Comic Con, Michigan State Fair, and Novi Home and Garden Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Novi Chamber of Commerce and Novi Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, technology, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Stoneridge, and Daifuku North America. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
