A judge has officially dismissed the rape allegations presented in one of the numerous civil lawsuits filed against Sean “Diddy” Combs. The ruling determined that the statute of limitations has lapsed concerning claims that the rap mogul forced a woman into intercourse and oral sex during the 1990s, highlighting the complexities surrounding historical sexual abuse allegations.
On July 8, a significant ruling by New York Judge Leslie A. Stroth resulted in the reduction of April Lampros’ claims against Combs. Lampros was the seventh individual to file a sexual abuse lawsuit against Combs in May 2024, marking a pivotal moment in a series of legal actions that have culminated in a criminal trial for the rapper this month. The timing of these lawsuits has sparked considerable public interest and media attention.
Lampros asserts that she first encountered Combs while attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in 1994. She claims that he drugged and raped her on two separate occasions in 1995, both vaginally and orally. Furthermore, it is alleged that Combs raped Lampros again after coercing her into a sexual encounter with his then-girlfriend Kim Porter in 1996, as outlined in the lawsuit, which presents a troubling narrative of sexual violence.
Lampros’ attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, filed these claims under the New York City’s Gender Motivated Violence Act, which underwent amendments in 2022. These amendments were designed to create a two-year window for sexual assault victims to pursue claims that would normally be barred by the statute of limitations. This legal framework aims to empower survivors to seek justice, although it has faced scrutiny in various cases.
However, Judge Stroth clarified that based on a recent ruling from a New York appellate court, the claims window is applicable only to alleged incidents of sexual abuse that occurred after the original passage of the GMVA in December 2000. This legal interpretation significantly impacts the viability of many historical claims, highlighting the challenges faced by survivors seeking legal recourse.
The judge stated, “Therefore, plaintiff’s claims for acts before December 19, 2000 are dismissed as untimely,” emphasizing the limitations imposed by the legal system on past allegations. This ruling has narrowed the scope of Lampros’ lawsuit, raising questions about the future of similar claims against high-profile individuals.
As a result, all three instances in which Combs allegedly raped Lampros are no longer part of her lawsuit. Nevertheless, she retains the right to pursue legal action against Combs regarding a fourth incident, which she claims involved him forcibly kissing and groping her in the early 2000s. Lampros has stated that she cannot pinpoint the exact date of this encounter, indicating it occurred either in late 2000 or early 2001.
Judge Stroth acknowledged, “To the extent that there is a question as to conduct occurring in the year 2000, such are not dismissed at this time, as further discovery is needed to determine the exact date of the alleged incidents.” This statement suggests the ongoing complexities involved in gathering evidence and establishing timelines in cases of sexual misconduct.
Representatives for Combs expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that it “significantly narrows the civil case.” This statement underscores the legal team’s perception of the ruling’s impact on the overall landscape of the lawsuits against Combs, as they continue to navigate the intricate legal challenges ahead.
Combs’ team further elaborated, “Importantly, this ruling was made at the pleading stage, and no evidence on the surviving claim has been submitted to the court.” They emphasized that the music mogul has yet to contest the remaining allegations, indicating that the court’s decision does not reflect on the truth of the claims made against him.
Blackburn, the attorney representing many of the ongoing civil sexual assault lawsuits against Combs, asserted to Billboard that he is proceeding “full steam ahead” with Lampros’ remaining claim. His determination reflects the broader legal strategy involved in addressing multiple sexual abuse allegations against the high-profile figure.
“I sent Sean Combs’ counsel notice that I intend to depose Sean Combs within 60 days, and I will be serving discovery demands this evening,” Blackburn stated, indicating the aggressive legal tactics being employed to gather evidence and support Lampros’ claims against Combs.
Lampros initiated her lawsuit during the wave of litigation that began with singer Cassie Ventura in November 2023. Following Ventura’s case, which was settled for $20 million, a series of similar lawsuits emerged, prompting prosecutors to launch a criminal investigation into Combs’ activities. This sequence of events illustrates the growing scrutiny faced by public figures in cases of sexual misconduct.
Recently, Combs was convicted on prostitution charges after a seven-week trial. However, jurors acquitted him of charges related to running a criminal enterprise and compelling Ventura and another unnamed woman, referred to as “Jane,” to engage in sexual acts with escorts during drug-fueled parties he called “freak-offs.” These developments reveal the complexities and challenges involved in high-profile legal cases.
The rap mogul has consistently denied all allegations in both the criminal and civil proceedings. He is scheduled for sentencing in October, while simultaneously continuing to contest the lawsuits brought against him by Lampros and numerous other alleged victims. This ongoing legal battle underscores the significant ramifications of allegations of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry.
