Diddy Files $100 Million Defamation Lawsuit Over “Fabricated” Sexual Assault Claims

According to legal documents reviewed by Complex, Diddy filed a First Amendment Complaint on Wednesday, August 6, in the U.S. District Court. The lawsuit names Courtney Burgess, Ariel Mitchell, and Nexstar Media, Inc. — the parent company of the cable news channel NewsNation — as defendants.

The complaint alleges that the defendants engaged in a deliberate scheme to create, fabricate, and broadcast false claims against Combs, leveraging the accusations for their own personal and financial gain.

“This case is about Defendants’ willful schemes to fabricate and broadcast outrageous lies concerning Mr. Combs and then to leverage those falsehoods to enrich themselves, gain social media fame, promote their brands, strip Mr. Combs of his reputation and livelihood, and jeopardize his right to a fair trial,” the court filing states.

The Core of the Allegations

Diddy’s legal team argues that the alleged falsehoods were not accidental or misinformed but strategically planned to damage his reputation. The complaint claims the defendants intentionally spread these accusations to attract public attention, boost their platforms, and cause irreversible harm to the hip-hop icon’s career.

Potential Impact

If successful, the lawsuit could become one of the most significant defamation cases involving a music industry figure in recent years, potentially setting a precedent for how high-profile celebrities respond to what they consider orchestrated media attacks.

While Diddy has faced public controversies before, this legal action marks an aggressive counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming control of his public narrative. The case also underscores the ongoing tension between celebrities, media outlets, and the viral nature of accusations in the age of social media.

For now, the entertainment industry and the public will be watching closely as the lawsuit moves forward — with $100 million and a global reputation at stake.