Diddy’s $100m lawsuit against NBCUniversal dismissed by judge

Judge emphasised that courts should not interfere with editorial decisions, rejecting P Diddy's defamation claims

Sean 'Diddy' Combs has lost his $100 million defamation lawsuit against NBCUniversal after a New York judge dismissed the case.

According to reports, the lawsuit was tied to the 2025 documentary Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy, which explored allegations and controversies surrounding the music mogul. Combs had argued that the film damaged his reputation and business interests.

However, New York Supreme Court Judge Phaedra F. Perry-Bond ruled that the claims lacked sufficient legal merit, finding that Combs failed to demonstrate a “substantial basis” for reputational harm.

The court also noted that the documentary presented multiple perspectives and included counterstatements, including denials from Combs himself, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.

In her ruling, the judge emphasised that courts should not interfere with editorial decisions, effectively rejecting the defamation claims against NBCUniversal and its partners.

NBCUniversal’s legal team welcomed the decision, calling it a win for free speech and journalistic protections under U.S. law.

Combs had originally filed the lawsuit in 2025, alleging the documentary promoted false and damaging claims about his involvement in serious crimes. The case named NBCUniversal, its streaming service Peacock and production company Ample Entertainment as defendants.

The dismissal marks a significant legal setback for Combs, who is already dealing with multiple legal challenges. His attorneys are reportedly continuing efforts to contest other aspects of his ongoing cases.