A New York judge has tossed several claims in Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones’ lawsuit against Diddy, while also issuing a stern warning to Jones’ attorney. The dismissed claims include the federal RICO violation, Trafficking Victims Protection Act allegations against Combs Global, emotional distress claims, and breach of contract.
However, the sexual assault allegations against the Bad Boy founder will move forward. Judge J. Paul Oetken noted that Jones’ claims “need only be plausible, not probable, at this stage in the proceedings.”
The judge also dedicated a “Warning to Counsel” section in the 31-page order, calling out Jones’ lawyer Tyrone Blackburn for “unsettling” behavior ranging from “inaccurate statements of law” to “schoolyard taunts.”
This case is separate from Diddy’s federal racketeering and trafficking trial scheduled for May, though the date could shift pending jury selection.
At a recent hearing, Diddy’s legal team claimed the 2016 hotel surveillance footage showing him and Cassie was “deceptive” and edited. CNN denied these accusations, stating they “never altered the video.”
Last May, Diddy addressed the footage in an Instagram video, saying: “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”
