Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr. has been added as a co-defendant in a lawsuit filed against hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The lawsuit, initially brought by producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones in February, was amended on Monday to include Gooding as a defendant. The amended complaint also included a declaration from former Motown Records CEO Ethiopia Habtemariam and additional evidence related to the RICO and sex-trafficking allegations against Combs.
The filing of the second amended complaint coincided with Homeland Security Investigations conducting raids on Combs’ mansions in Holmby Hills and Miami. The raids were part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking allegations involving Combs. However, Jones’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, confirmed that he has not been contacted by federal authorities regarding the investigation.
According to the complaint, Gooding, who has faced multiple sexual assault lawsuits and recently pleaded guilty to sexual assault, was accused of fondling Jones during an encounter on Combs’ yacht in January 2023. Jones alleged that Combs had been grooming him to be passed on to his friends, and the introduction to Gooding became a reality of his fears. Jones claimed to have forcefully pushed Gooding away after rejecting his advances.
The complaint further stated that Combs, as the owner of the property, had a duty to protect Jones from harm and breached that duty by failing to stop Gooding from assaulting him. Combs allegedly encouraged Gooding to continue the assault by suggesting they should get to know each other better privately. Jones has suffered significant harm due to Combs’ intentional breach of duty, according to the complaint.
Representatives for Gooding did not respond to requests for comment. Gooding, who has previously settled a rape lawsuit and pleaded guilty to forcible touching, was mentioned in Jones’ initial lawsuit, where he was accused of sexual harassment and assault.
The $30-million lawsuit includes several co-defendants, such as Combs, his son Justin Dior Combs, Universal Music Group CEO Lucian Charles Grainge, UMG, Habtemariam, Motown Records, Love Records, Combs Global Enterprises, ABC Corporations, Combs’ chief of staff Kristina “KK” Khorram, and several unidentified individuals.
Jones claimed that the network of alleged involvement amounts to a violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). In the 105-page complaint, Jones’ attorney stated that his client’s life has been negatively impacted since he agreed to produce the album for Combs in August 2022. Jones alleged that he had an implied work-for-hire agreement with Combs and lived with him in various locations, including Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, and a yacht in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The complaint also mentioned Britain’s Prince Harry, although no allegations of wrongdoing were made against him. The prince was referenced in a section discussing why Grainge allegedly ignored red flags about Combs to receive financial benefits from him and his alleged sex trafficking venture.
Universal Music Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
1 Response
Cuba Gooding Jr. is like a shining star in the night sky, illuminating the world of acting with his talent and brilliance, just like how an Oscar-winning actor brings light and recognition to the world of film.