Inmate awarded $100m in default judgement against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

A substantial $100 million default judgment has been awarded to Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, 51, against renowned rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, following Combs’ failure to respond to the lawsuit. Cardello-Smith, currently incarcerated, accused Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting him at a party in Detroit in 1997. Combs’ legal team has denied the allegations, labeling the lawsuit as fraudulent.

Cardello-Smith, a convicted felon known for his extensive history of filing civil lawsuits, claimed that Combs had offered him $2.3 million to drop the case, which he refused. He also presented documents indicating that Combs had visited him in prison. Despite these claims, Combs’ lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, asserted that the rapper was not aware of Cardello-Smith and is challenging the judgment, alleging that Combs was not properly served notice of the lawsuit.

The judgment was issued by Judge Anna Marie Anzalone of the Lenawee County Circuit Court on Monday, following Combs’ absence from a scheduled hearing on September 9. Combs’ team contends that they were unaware of the lawsuit due to improper service and plans to contest the ruling.

This lawsuit is part of a broader array of recent sexual assault allegations against Combs, a prominent figure in the rap industry. Cardello-Smith’s legal victory comes amid ongoing controversies surrounding Combs, including a federal investigation into sex trafficking. In March, federal agents conducted raids on two of Combs’ properties, which his lawyer denounced as an “unprecedented ambush,” while maintaining Combs’ innocence.

Cardello-Smith’s background includes a series of legal actions against various entities, reflecting his self-taught expertise in criminal and civil law during his imprisonment. His previous convictions include sexual misconduct and kidnapping, according to court documents. His legal maneuvers have led to multiple lawsuits challenging the judicial system.

In addition to Cardello-Smith’s lawsuit, Combs has faced other serious allegations, including those from his former partner, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura. Ventura received an undisclosed settlement from Combs in a matter settled out of court. Although Combs has repeatedly denied allegations of abuse, he later apologized after CCTV footage surfaced in May, showing him physically assaulting Ventura in a hotel corridor.

The ongoing legal battles and investigations highlight the complex and tumultuous landscape surrounding Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, marking a significant chapter in his career and personal life.