Sara Rivers Challenges Dismissal of RICO and Sex Abuse Case Against Sean Combs
Sara Rivers Faces Legal Setback in Case Against Sean Combs
Sara Rivers, a former contestant on Making the Band 2, is currently appealing a recent court decision that dismissed most of her claims against Sean Combs. Her lawsuit, which sought a staggering $60 million, included allegations of racketeering and sexual assault.
Court Ruling Overview
U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff ruled last month, stating that 21 out of the 22 claims in Rivers’ extensive lawsuit were dismissed “finally and with prejudice.” This means that Rivers cannot refile these claims in the future. The only remaining cause of action is now on hold while awaiting a decision from the appeals court regarding the possibility of reopening claims under New York City’s Gender Motivated Violence Protection Act.
Allegations Against Combs
In her lawsuit, Rivers accused Combs of inappropriate behavior during the production of the MTV reality series, which began filming in 2002. She alleged that he had sexually harassed her, cornered her in his studio, and subsequently retaliated by sabotaging her career when she rejected his advances.
Combs, who is 55, and his legal team have characterized the lawsuit as meritless and beyond the statute of limitations. “From the outset, we have said these claims were meritless, time-barred, and legally deficient," asserted his civil lawyer, Erica Wolff. "The court agreed, finding no legal basis to allow them to proceed.”
Rivers’ Past and Current Legal Challenges
Known as Sara Stokes during her time on Making the Band 2, Rivers was also a member of the hip-hop group Da Band under Bad Boy Records. Within her suit, she detailed instances of mental and physical control, including Combs dictating her sleep schedule and mocking her eating disorder. One particularly notable incident involved Combs sending her on foot from Manhattan to Brooklyn to retrieve cheesecake, an errand that was documented for the show.
Ongoing Legal Troubles for Combs
Sean Combs continues to face numerous civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct. Currently, he is in federal custody and awaiting sentencing for a recent conviction related to multiple counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. In a high-profile trial, he was found guilty of violations of the Mann Act but was acquitted of more severe charges such as racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking.
How do you think this legal battle will impact the music industry moving forward?
