FOLLOW US

A federal judge in New York has dismissed two of Sean "Diddy" Combs' companies from a lawsuit accusing the music mogul and two other men of trafficking and raping a 17-year-old girl in 2003. U.S. District Judge Jessica G.L. Clarke ruled Thursday that the 2022 amendment to New York City's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which expanded the scope of liability, could not be applied retroactively to hold Combs’ companies accountable.

The lawsuit, filed by Anna Kane under the pseudonym "Jane Doe," alleges that Combs, former Bad Boy Records President Harve Pierre, and an unidentified third man trafficked and raped Kane at a New York City recording studio Combs owned. Kane, who was 17 at the time, claims that Pierre and the third man lured her onto a private jet, where she was provided with drugs and alcohol before being assaulted by the men.

Judge Clarke explained that while the 2022 amendment expanded the law’s scope to include civil actions against a "party" rather than just an "individual," it created a substantive change. She added that Kane had not pointed to any legislative language suggesting the law should apply retroactively.

In the ruling, Judge Clarke emphasized the presumption against retroactivity and noted there was no indication in the legislative history that lawmakers intended the new provisions to apply to events that occurred before the amendment. This means that while Kane can continue her case against Combs, Pierre, and the third man, she cannot pursue the claims against the two companies—Daddy's House Recordings Inc. and Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings Inc.

Despite the setback, Kane’s legal team vowed to continue pursuing justice. In an emotional statement, Kane remarked that while she had hoped to remain anonymous during the legal process, she was now ready to use her real name to ensure accountability.

Combs and his companies have faced multiple lawsuits in recent years accusing them of sexual assault and misconduct. Kane’s case is among several others targeting Combs, including lawsuits from Liza Gardner and Joi Dickerson-Neal, who allege they were raped by Combs in the 1990s.

Judge Clarke’s ruling on the retroactivity of the 2022 amendment leaves the case open against Combs and the other individuals involved. However, Kane’s decision to use her full name following the court’s earlier denial of her anonymity request signals her determination to move forward with the lawsuit.