Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs Ordered to Pay $100 Million in Default Judgment Over Sexual Assault Allegation

True Crime Today | A True Crime Podcast

A Michigan judge has ordered hip-hop mogul Sean "P. Diddy" Combs to pay $100 million to Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, a 51-year-old man currently serving time in prison. The judgment stems from Cardello-Smith’s claims that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted him during an afterparty in 1997. The default judgment was handed down in Lenawee County Circuit Court after Combs failed to appear for the case.
According to court documents obtained by CBS Detroit, Cardello-Smith was a bartender at a Detroit-area restaurant at the time of the alleged incident. He claimed that after the event, Combs invited him to an afterparty. Once there, Cardello-Smith alleges he was pressured to engage in sexual activity with multiple women. The documents further state that after drinking alcohol given to him by Combs, Cardello-Smith passed out.
The most shocking part of the claim is Cardello-Smith’s account of what he says happened when he regained consciousness. He alleges that he awoke to find Combs having sex with a woman. According to the court filing, Combs reportedly said to Cardello-Smith, "I did this to you too."
While the ruling is a significant blow to Combs, his legal team is preparing a robust defense. Marc Agnifilo, Combs’ attorney, strongly condemned the judgment and called the claims entirely fabricated. "This man is a convicted felon and sexual predator, who has been sentenced on 14 counts of sexual assault and kidnapping over the last 26 years," Agnifilo told CBS News. "His resume now includes committing a fraud on the court from prison, as Mr. Combs has never heard of him let alone been served with any lawsuit. Mr. Combs looks forward to having this judgment swiftly dismissed."
Cardello-Smith’s criminal record became a focal point in Combs’ defense. Currently incarcerated, Cardello-Smith has been convicted of numerous charges, including criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping, which has led Combs’ legal team to question the credibility of his accusations.
Combs is no stranger to legal battles, and this case adds to a growing list of accusations against the music mogul. In recent months, multiple women have accused him of sexual assault and abuse. While Combs denies all allegations, some of the cases have resulted in settlements. One high-profile lawsuit from R&B singer Cassie, who alleged rape and physical abuse during her relationship with Combs, was settled last year. Another man has also accused Combs of sexual misconduct, which his legal team has dismissed as "pure fiction."
The latest ruling also comes amidst increasing public scrutiny on Combs. New York City Mayor Eric Adams recently called on Combs to return the key to the city, which he was awarded during a Times Square ceremony in September 2023. The event coincided with the release of Combs’ album, *The Love Album: Off The Grid*.
Despite the controversy, Combs remains one of the most successful figures in hip-hop. He first rose to fame in the late 1990s as a producer and performer, responsible for chart-topping hits such as "Mo' Money, Mo' Problems," "Bad Boy for Life," and "I'll Be Missing You."
As Combs’ legal team prepares to appeal the judgment, the case represents yet another chapter in a series of legal and public relations battles for the hip-hop icon.
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