Michigan Judge Orders Sean “Diddy” Combs to Pay $100M in Sexual Assault Case
A Shocking Verdict
Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was ordered to pay a whopping $100 million to a Michigan man by a state judge on Monday, following allegations of sexual assault dating back to 1997. Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, the plaintiff, who is currently serving a prison sentence, made allegations that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted him after an after-party event.
Failing to Appear in Court
The ruling was made in a default judgement by a Lenawee County Circuit Court Judge after Combs failed to attend the court proceedings. According to court documents, Cardello-Smith asserted that the incident occurred when he was working as a bartender at a local Detroit restaurant. He alleges that he was invited to an after-party by Combs, where he was pressured into engaging in sexual activity with several women.
The Incident
Cardello-Smith further claims that after drinking a glass of alcohol handed to him by Combs, he lost consciousness. On regaining consciousness, he allegedly found Combs having sex with a woman and telling him, ‘I did this to you too.’ It is important to note that Cardello-Smith has a criminal record with 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping.
Combs’ Legal Team Responds
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, responded to the judgment stating, “This man is a convicted felon and sexual predator, who has been sentenced on 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping over the last 26 years. His resume now includes committing a fraud on the court from prison, as Mr. Combs has never heard of him, let alone been served with any lawsuit. Mr. Combs looks forward to having this judgment swiftly dismissed.”
Previous Accusations Against Combs
In recent months, Combs has faced several sexual assault and abuse lawsuits from multiple women, all of which Combs denies. Notably, he also settled a lawsuit last year with R&B singer Cassie, who accused him of rape and physical abuse during their relationship. Moreover, another man has recently retracted his accusations of sexual misconduct against Combs, the claim which his legal representative immediately deemed as “pure fiction.”
Coming Under Fire
The latest turmoil did not escape the public eye. New York City Mayor, Eric Adams, has called for Combs to return the city’s key, awarded to him during the Times Square ceremony last year in September to coincide with the release of his album “The Love Album: Off The Grid.” Combs gained popularity in the late ’90s as a producer and performer, delivering Billboard-charting hits such as “Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems,” “Bad Boy for Life” and “I’ll Be Missing You.”
The judgement against Combs and the surrounding circumstances have shone a deep light into the lives and actions of prominent figures in the music industry. As the world observes, it would be hoped that this case would set a precedent for how justice is served and the importance of standing against sexual assault, no matter the status of the accused.
Author: STAFF HERE NOVI 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.
