A man named Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith has won $100 million in a sexual assault lawsuit against American rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The ruling was issued by default after Combs failed to respond to the allegations.
Cardello-Smith, who is currently serving a prison sentence for unrelated convictions, accused Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting him at a party in Detroit, Michigan, back in 1997. Despite Combs denying the allegations, the court ruled in favor of Cardello-Smith.
According to reports, Combs and his legal team claim that they were not properly served notice of the lawsuit, and they intend to fight the ruling. The lawsuit adds to a series of sexual assault allegations made against Combs in recent years.
Cardello-Smith, known for filing multiple civil lawsuits, reportedly taught himself criminal and civil law while in prison. He rejected a $2.3 million offer from Combs to drop the lawsuit, presenting documents showing Combs’s name in a prison visitation log.
The case is just one of several legal battles Combs is facing, including allegations from his former partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Combs has denied the allegations but settled with Ventura outside of court after CCTV footage surfaced showing him physically attacking her in a hotel hallway.
In March, federal agents raided two of Combs’ properties as part of an investigation into sex trafficking. Combs’s lawyer defended him, calling the raid an “unprecedented ambush” and maintaining his client’s innocence.
The judgment for Cardello-Smith was issued by Judge Anna Marie Anzalone of the Lenawee County Circuit Court after Combs failed to appear for a court hearing related to the lawsuit.
