Sean “Diddy” Combs’ attorneys have asked for another three weeks to file his answer and planned counterclaims in Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones’ civil lawsuit, saying they still cannot reliably communicate with him in federal prison.
Attorney Erica A. Wolff requested that the July 21 deadline be moved to August 11 in a letter filed with U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken on July 19. The date had already been extended once after Diddy’s team raised the same problem.
Diddy is serving a 50-month sentence at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey.
“We have been unable to communicate with Mr. Combs,” Wolff wrote, according to AllHipHop, adding, “Unfortunately, these challenges have continued.” His attorneys also alerted the judge to the ongoing issue during a July 14 conference.
Jones sued Diddy in February 2024, accusing the music mogul of sexual assault, harassment, drugging and other misconduct while Jones worked on The Love Album: Off the Grid. Diddy has denied the allegations.
Music Producer Lil Rod says Diddy is trying to steal his publishing for the work he did on the 'Love' album and claims he doesn't have the money to fight Diddy in court.
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) February 11, 2024
( @lilrodmadeit ) pic.twitter.com/SOGerblZkF
The case has narrowed since it was filed. Judge Oetken dismissed Jones’ civil RICO, contract and emotional distress claims, along with a Trafficking Victims Protection Act claim against Combs Global. Jones’ sexual assault and premises liability claims were allowed to continue.
Diddy was convicted on two transportation-to-engage-in-prostitution counts and acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. His appeal remains pending, and his projected release date is February 23, 2028.
