Federal Judge Dismisses Majority of Claims in Sara Rivers' Lawsuit Against Sean Combs: Legal Battle Continues
A federal judge has made a final decision on the $60 million lawsuit filed by former Making the Band 2 contestant Sara Rivers against Sean Combs. The judge dismissed most of the claims in the lawsuit, citing various legal reasons. One cause of action is still pending a decision as the judge awaits an appeals court ruling on the claim-revival window under New York City’s Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act.
Rivers accused Combs of sexual harassment and assault during the production of the MTV reality show. The lawsuit alleged that Combs sexually harassed her and retaliated against her in the music industry when she rejected his advances. The judge dismissed the majority of the claims in the lawsuit, stating that they were meritless, time-barred, and legally deficient.
Combs and his co-defendants challenged the lawsuit, arguing that it was beyond the statute of limitations. Rivers’ claims included workplace-related violations. Combs' civil lawyer, Erica Wolff, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision to dismiss the baseless claims. Rivers' lawyer, Ariel Mitchell, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Rivers, known as Sara Stokes during her time on Making the Band 2, was part of the hip hop group Da Band under Bad Boy Records. In her lawsuit, she detailed instances where Combs allegedly mistreated her, controlled her schedule, and subjected her to menial tasks without pay. Combs still faces numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct and is currently in federal custody awaiting sentencing for his conviction on transportation to engage in prostitution charges.
Despite being found guilty of Mann Act violations, Combs was acquitted of more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking. The judge plans to issue a more detailed order explaining the reasons for the dismissal of the majority of the claims in the lawsuit. The legal battle between Rivers and Combs continues as the final cause of action awaits a decision based on the outcome of an appeals court ruling.