Lawyers for Sean “Diddy” Combs are seeking to overturn a $100 million judgment awarded to a Michigan prison inmate who accused the music mogul of sexual assault 27 years ago. The inmate, Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, won the default judgment after Combs and his lawyers failed to contest the allegations at a recent virtual hearing. This lawsuit is one of several filed against Combs in recent months, including one filed by singer Dawn Richard.
Combs’ attorneys have filed emergency motions in Lenawee County’s circuit court, calling Cardello-Smith’s lawsuit “frivolous” and based on “fabrications.” They argue that the plaintiff, a convicted rapist, has a history of filing frivolous lawsuits and that the claims in this case are implausible and incoherent. They also point out that the statute of limitations on the claims expired long before the lawsuit was filed.
The attorneys specifically refute Cardello-Smith’s claim that he paid Combs $150,000 for a 49% share in the entertainer’s net worth, pointing out that Combs’ estimated fortune is around $800 million. They are seeking to dissolve a temporary restraining order preventing Combs from selling assets to pay for any damages.
Lenawee county circuit court judge Anna Marie Anzalone has not yet indicated when she will consider the emergency motions. Despite the judgment and legal troubles, Combs continues to be a successful businessman with substantial wealth.
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