Diddy Scores Win in Legal Battle Against Liquor Giant Diageo Over Racism Claims

Diddy secured an early win in his lawsuit against liquor giant Diageo Plc.

The lawsuit alleges that the liquor company hypocritically promotes diversity while unfairly treating Black entrepreneurs behind the scenes.

On Thursday, Judge Joel M. Cohen of the Supreme Court of New York denied Diageo’s attempts to dismiss the case or move it to arbitration.

Diddy’s attorney, John Hueston, confirmed that the music mogul can now proceed with “broad discovery” to find evidence that the company didn’t provide the same level of support to liquor brands, Ciroc Vodka and DeLeón Tequila, as it did for its other brands.

“This case has always been about getting fair and equal treatment,” Hueston said. “Today’s decision is an important step in the right direction.  Diageo tried to end this action.  Today, the judge soundly rejected that effort.”

Diageo said, “While we are disappointed with today’s procedural decision, it is important to underscore that this is not a ruling on the merits of the claims, which we maintain are false and baseless.”

According to Hueston, Judge Cohen stated in the hearing that the parties had clearly outlined their right to seek injunctive relief in court instead of arbitration.

Additionally, the judge rejected Diageo’s argument that Combs’ lawsuit was an attempt to claim damages disguised as seeking injunctive relief.

Judge Cohen concluded Combs had raised legitimate concerns that warranted addressing through injunctive relief.