After approximately seven months since Sean “Diddy” Combs filed a lawsuit against Diageo, alleging neglect in promoting the DeLeon and Ciroc brands along with engaging in racial discrimination, both parties have come to a resolution.
In a joint statement featured in PEOPLE on Tuesday, Combs and Diageo announced the settlement, declaring that all disputes between them have been amicably resolved.
According to the statement, Diageo states that Combs has chosen to dismiss his lawsuits with prejudice and withdraw his allegations against them. More Importantly, the statement emphasizes that there is currently no ongoing business relationship between Diageo and Mr. Combs, especially concerning Diageo’s exclusive ownership of Cîroc vodka and DeLeón tequila.
Sean “Diddy” Combs filed a lawsuit against Diageo
Through his business venture, Combs Wines and Spirits LLC, the rapper renowned for the hit “I’ll Be Missing You” lodged a complaint against Diageo in June 2023. The complaint alleged that Diageo categorized DeLeon and Ciroc as “Black brands” exclusively meant for “urban” consumers.
Having joined forces in 2007 to represent Ciroc, Combs and Diageo witnessed a substantial boost in the brand’s sales. Their collaboration continued in 2013 with the joint “buy, market, and sell” initiative for DeLeon Tequila. However, according to Combs’ team, Diageo failed to fulfill its commitments regarding promotional efforts.
During this period, Combs’s legal team also asserted that a Diageo executive openly admitted that Combs’ race was a hindrance to the success of DeLeon. The executive purportedly suggested that Combs’ brands would gain more recognition if he adopted a persona more reminiscent of “Martha Stewart.”
Sean “Diddy” Combs found himself confronting four sexual assault
Combs found himself facing four separate allegations of sexual assault following his complaint against Diageo. Just weeks after the fourth accuser filed a lawsuit in New York, Combs decided to break his silence, expressing vehement denial and frustration towards the accusations.
In a strongly worded response, he exclaimed, “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I have been sitting quietly for the past few weeks, watching as people attempt to undermine my legacy, my reputation, and my character.” Addressing the serious claims, the Grammy winner asserted that they were motivated by a desire for quick financial gain.
The legal turmoil began on November 16 when Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, filed a lawsuit against him, alleging rape, sex trafficking, and domestic abuse. This lawsuit marked the start of the legal saga. Just a day after reaching a settlement, two additional lawsuits were filed.
One accused Combs of drugging and raping Joi Dickerson-Neal, a Syracuse University student, in 1991. Conversely, a person identified as Jane Doe claimed that more than thirty years ago, Combs and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall sexually assaulted her and a companion in New York City.
Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated Christmas with his family
The 54-year-old music mogul marked the holiday season by bringing his entire family together for a joyous moment captured on the staircase. Radiating happiness and sporting a Santa hat, Diddy posed with his sons King (25), Justin Dior (29), and Quincy Taylor Brown (32).
The group photo also featured his daughters Love, a lively 15-month-old, and the 17-year-old twins, D’Lila Star and Jessie James. Completing the festive gathering were Diddy’s mother, Janice Combs, and Sarah Chapman, Chance’s mother.
Diddy has been giving a glimpse into these family moments by sharing pictures and videos, like the one from late August where he showcased his cooking skills with his daughter Love. In a playful manner, he referred to his daughter as “Baby Love” and himself as “Chef Love,” as they collaborated in the kitchen to prepare chicken, pasta, and vegetables.
Earlier in the summer, he shared a video with pride, capturing Love’s babbling alongside her mother, celebrating her first words with an exuberant “da da da da da da.” Diddy took to Twitter to express his joy, labeling it as “breaking news!”
More about Sean “Diddy” Combs
Sean Love Combs began his music journey as a talent director at Uptown Records. In 1993, he took a big step by creating his own record label, Bad Boy Records, where he mentored talents like Mary J. Blige, Usher, and the Notorious B.I.G.
His debut album, “No Way Out,” hit the scene in 1997 and achieved seven platinum certifications. Following that success, he dropped more albums like “Forever” (1999), “The Saga Continues…” (2001), and “Press Play” (2006).
In 2009, along with singers Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper, Combs formed the music group Diddy – Dirty Money, and they brought out the collaborative album “Last Train to Paris.” Fast forward to September 2023, and Combs unveiled his fifth studio album, “The Love Album: Off the Grid.”
