The rapper claims he doesn’t know the alleged victim and claims the action is a scam
A Michigan state court has issued a $100 million judgment against Sean “Diddy” Combs, in another development in the sexual misconduct allegations the producer has faced in recent months. The court’s ruling was in favor of Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, a 51-year-old inmate known for repeatedly suing the justice system. Diddy was tried and convicted in absentia, and did not speak during the trial.
Action Details
The sentence, handed down Monday (Sept. 12) by a Lenawee County Circuit Court judge, sets a $10 million monthly payment schedule, starting Oct. 1. Prosecutors allege that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted Cardello-Smith in 1997 at a party in Detroit.
Cardello-Smith claims he met Combs while working at a local restaurant and later had an encounter with women at a party. He says at one point he felt a male hand touching him, which he attributes to Combs. He then says the singer offered him a drink, which was adulterated, and knocked him out. When he awoke, he claims he saw Combs having sex with a woman, at which point the artist allegedly said, “I did that to you.”
Defense and opposition
Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, harshly criticized the court’s ruling and Cardello-Smith’s charges. “This man is a convicted felon on 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping over the past 26 years. Now, from inside prison, he is committing fraud on the court. Mr. Combs has never heard from him, nor has he been informed of any proceedings,” Agnifilo said. The rapper’s defense also claims that court documents were sent to an outdated address, which would have prevented the artist’s lawyers from knowing about the action.
History of the accusations
Although Combs denies most of the sexual misconduct allegations against him, the producer admitted in June to assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. The incident, which occurred in 2016 and was caught on video, was reported by the media, prompting Combs to apologize, saying he was “out of his mind.”
Source: Terra
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
