Diddy sued for $400M by Michigan inmate Derrick Lee, names Jennifer Lopez as witness

A Michigan prison inmate, Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, has reportedly named Sean "Diddy" Combs’s ex-girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, as a witness in his lawsuit against the rapper. 

According to In Touch, which obtained court documents, Derrick accused Combs of sexually assaulting him at a hotel in 1997. 

The inmate referred to "Jennifer Lynn Lopez aka Jenny from the Block" in his lawsuit and is requesting her testimony. 

Lopez, who dated Diddy from 1991 to 2001, is believed by Derrick to have information that could support his claims about the alleged incident. He is seeking $400 million in "monetary, punitive, and compensatory damages." 

As stated in Derrick's lawsuit, he met Combs while working as a bartender. Diddy allegedly invited him to a sex party at a Holiday Inn. According to In Touch, which referenced the lawsuit, the rapper reportedly gave Derrick a drink, saying, "I added a little something to it for you." 

When Derrick regained consciousness, he claimed to see Combs engaging in sex with a woman. The lawsuit alleges that Combs then turned to him and said, "I did this to you too!" Derrick also stated that he attempted to file a police report but was prevented from doing so. 

The inmate further accused government officials of colluding with the rapper to conceal evidence of his alleged crimes. A USA Today report from September 2024 mentioned that the lawsuit included a 1997 "agreement of silence and confidentiality" allegedly signed by Derrick, Combs, and others, including Michigan officials. 

Derrick initially filed a civil lawsuit against Diddy in June 2024. In September, he was awarded $100 million in a default civil judgment. A default judgment is issued when one party fails to respond or take action, such as not appearing in court. 

At that point, Combs's legal team filed a motion to dismiss the judgment, asserting that their client had not been informed of Derrick’s lawsuit. Diddy's legal response stated: "This is a frivolous lawsuit against a prominent businessman, based on obvious fabrications, filed by a convicted rapist and serial litigant with an overactive imagination and a thirst for fame."  

The response continued: "The assault allegedly occurred in June 1997, any claim (Derrick Lee) might have had expired in June 2000—more than two decades before (he) commenced this litigation. For this reason alone, the court should dismiss the complaint in its entirety with prejudice."