Sean Combs Accuser Sara Rivers Appeals Dismissal of RICO and Sex Abuse Lawsuit
In a move to revive her 60 million racketeering and sexual assault lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs, Sara Rivers has filed an appeal with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The appeal comes after U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff's August 14 ruling permanently dismissed all but one of the claims in Rivers' lengthy lawsuit.
According to a new federal court filing obtained by Rolling Stone, Rivers is seeking to overturn the lower court's decision and revive her claims against Combs, Bad Boy Entertainment, Janice Combs, Universal Music, Viacom, and MTV Productions. The filing does not provide details on the basis for the appeal but lists the defendants as being placed on notice.
Judge Rakoff had dismissed 21 of the 22 causes of action in Rivers' lawsuit, stating that they could not be filed again. He held off on deciding the fate of the last remaining cause of action, count 15, pending an appeals court decision on whether the claim is valid.
Rivers' lawsuit, which was filed in February, alleged that Combs and his associates had subjected her to a pattern of racketeering activity, including sexual assault and harassment. The suit also claimed that Combs and his companies had engaged in a conspiracy to silence Rivers and other victims.
Combs' representatives have not commented on the appeal. However, in a statement released after Judge Rakoff's ruling, they expressed satisfaction with the decision, saying it was "a significant victory for Mr. Combs and his team."
The case has garnered significant attention due to its high-profile nature and allegations of widespread abuse within the music industry. Rivers' lawsuit has sparked conversations about accountability and the need for greater protections for victims of sexual assault.
Rivers' appeal is expected to be heard by a panel of judges at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in the coming months. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for Combs, his companies, and the music industry as a whole.
In related news, several high-profile cases involving allegations of abuse within the entertainment industry are currently underway. These cases highlight the need for greater accountability and transparency within the industry.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has not yet set a date for Rivers' appeal to be heard. This development comes as the music industry continues to grapple with issues of abuse, harassment, and exploitation.
Background:
Sara Rivers was a contestant on MTV's reality show Making the Band 2 in 2004. She later alleged that Combs and his associates had subjected her to a pattern of racketeering activity, including sexual assault and harassment.
Combs has denied all allegations of wrongdoing and has maintained that he is innocent of any misconduct.
The music industry has faced increased scrutiny in recent years over allegations of abuse, harassment, and exploitation. Several high-profile cases have led to calls for greater accountability and transparency within the industry.
Additional perspectives:
Experts say that the outcome of Rivers' appeal will have significant implications for Combs, his companies, and the music industry as a whole.
"This case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency within the entertainment industry," said one expert. "The outcome of this case will set a precedent for future cases involving allegations of abuse and harassment."
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has not yet set a date for Rivers' appeal to be heard. This development comes as the music industry continues to grapple with issues of abuse, harassment, and exploitation.
Current status:
Rivers' appeal is currently pending before the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for Combs, his companies, and the music industry as a whole.
In related news, several high-profile cases involving allegations of abuse within the entertainment industry are currently underway. These cases highlight the need for greater accountability and transparency within the industry.
*Reporting by Rollingstone.*