The ruling, issued on Monday, September 9, by Lenawee County Circuit Court Judge Anna Marie Anzalone, follows a temporary restraining order granted to Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, 51, in August. Cardello-Smith claims that Combs drugged and sexually assaulted him at a Detroit party in 1997, according to court documents.
Cardello-Smith, who is currently serving time at the Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility for an unrelated offense, said he had known Combs from his time working in Detroit’s restaurant and hospitality industry. He also produced visitation records showing Combs’ name and claimed that Combs offered him $2.3 million to drop the lawsuit, which he refused.
In August, Judge Anzalone issued an order preventing Combs from selling assets that could be used to compensate Cardello-Smith for damages. This case adds to a growing list of lawsuits and investigations involving Combs, many alleging violence or sexual assault.
During a hearing, Cardello-Smith claimed that when he confronted Combs about the lawsuit, Combs allegedly responded, “You know how we get down.” Cardello-Smith told the judge he replied, “I disagree with how you get down.”
The virtual court hearing, where Anzalone read the complaint identifying Combs under various nicknames, including “Sean P. Diddy” and “Diddy Run the City,” gained widespread attention online. Although some social media users expressed skepticism about Cardello-Smith’s allegations, others, like @jenniferwyllie4033, drew parallels to past incidents involving Combs, including the release of footage showing him assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
Combs later issued a public apology for the incident with Cassie. However, in this case, Combs did not appear for the September 9 virtual hearing, resulting in the default judgment.
Cardello-Smith’s $100 million award could potentially be one of the largest judgments ever granted to a non-attorney and currently incarcerated inmate.
