Sean “Diddy” Combs has been hit with a $100 million default judgment after failing to respond to sexual assault allegations in a Michigan civil court. The case was brought by Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, who claims Diddy drugged and sexually assaulted him at a Detroit party in 1997.
According to the Detroit Metro Times, Judge Anna Marie Anzalone awarded the judgment on September 9 after the mogul did not appear in court. Cardello-Smith, who is incarcerated, alleges he met the music mogul while working in the Detroit hospitality industry. He further claims that after filing the lawsuit, Diddy offered him $2.3 million to drop the case.
Diddy’s Alleged Settlement Offer
Cardello-Smith provided prison visitation logs showing Diddy’s name to back up his claims. He stated that Diddy visited him and offered hush money to settle the case. “Diddy said he would make me an offer to end the case,” Cardello-Smith reportedly told the court. He also claimed Diddy intended to sell property to cover the settlement.
In court, Cardello-Smith testified that the Bad Boy exec said, “You know how we get down,” to which he responded, “Well, I disagree with how you get down.” Despite the offer, Cardello-Smith refused the money and pursued legal action.
Legal Pushback
Diddy’s attorney, Marc Agnifilo, denied the claims, calling them “fraud on the court” and saying his client had no knowledge of the plaintiff. “Mr. Combs has never heard of him, let alone been served with any lawsuit,” Agnifilo stated. He indicated that the judgment would be swiftly challenged.
Cardello-Smith, who has a history of lawsuits and convictions, including criminal sexual misconduct, is currently incarcerated at the Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility. Despite his history, Cardello-Smith maintains his accusations against Diddy, saying the two “go way back.”
It remains unclear whether Cardello-Smith will be able to collect the $100 million, but the case adds to a growing list of legal troubles for Diddy.