Case #2:25-cv-11160 · United States District Court, Central District of California
Bongolan v. Combs et al
Open
Sean Combs
Bad Boy Entertainment
Bad Boy Records
Epic Records
Combs Enterprises, LLC
Doe Corps. 1-25
Parties
Bryana Bongolan Plaintiff
Sean Combs Individual whose primary residence is in Brooklyn, New York at the Metropolitan Detention Center, with personal residences in Los Angeles County during 2014-2016.
Bad Boy Entertainment Music, media, and entertainment company founded by Sean Combs, including Bad Boy Records LLC, a Delaware LLC with a principal place of business in New York, New York.
Bad Boy Records Delaware LLC, part of Bad Boy Entertainment, with a principal place of business in New York, New York.
Epic Records New York-based record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment.
Combs Enterprises, LLC New York limited liability company.
Doe Corps. 1-25 Affiliated entities with the other defendants, whose true identities and capacities are unknown to the plaintiff at the time of filing.
Dismissed defendants: EPIC RECORDS
Factual Allegations
Disclaimer: allegations as pled by the plaintiff, summarized by Grok.
On or about September 26, 2016, in the early morning at Casandra Ventura’s apartment in Los Angeles, Sean Combs assaulted Bryana Bongolan by groping her breasts, lifting her over a 17th-floor balcony, and slamming her onto patio furniture, including a table, after violently entering the apartment while Bongolan, Ventura, and Bongolan’s girlfriend were present. Bongolan’s girlfriend hid in the bathroom, and Ventura witnessed the assault, screaming at Combs to stop. Prior to this, from 2014, Bongolan met Combs through Ventura, observing his abusive behavior toward Ventura (e.g., controlling calls, tracking locations, physical beatings seen in May 2016). Combs also threatened Bongolan directly, once forcibly feeding her a narcotic (believed to be ecstasy) in Joshua Tree and later threatening her life at a photoshoot, saying, 'I’m the motherfucking devil. I could kill you.' Bongolan worked as a graphic and clothing designer for Combs and his companies from 2016-2018, during which his violence escalated. She knew of his history, including a rumored car bombing of Kid Cudi’s vehicle in 2012 and a nightclub shooting, intensifying her fear.
Prayer for Relief
General damages exceeding $10,000,000; economic losses; punitive damages; attorneys’ fees and costs per Cal. Civ. Code §§ 52(b), 52.1, 52.4; prejudgment and post-judgment interest; and other relief deemed just.
Causes of Action
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION Sexual Battery
Cal. Civ. Code § 1708.5, Penal Code §§ 242, 243.4 (Against Defendant Combs)
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
(Against All Defendants)
THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION False Imprisonment
Penal Code § 236 (Against All Defendants)
FOURTH CAUSE OF ACTION Violation of Cal. Civ. Code § 52.4
Prohibition Against Gender-based Violence (Against All Defendants)
FIFTH CAUSE OF ACTION Violation of the Ralph Civil Rights Act
Cal. Civ. Code § 51.7 (Against Defendant Combs)
SIXTH CAUSE OF ACTION Violation of the Bane Civil Rights Act
Cal. Civ. Code § 52.1 (Against Defendant Combs)
SEVENTH CAUSE OF ACTION Negligent Supervision and Retention/Failure to Warn
(Against Defendant Corporations)
Court Dates
| Date | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 9, 2026 | Filing Deadline | Plaintiff's extension to respond to motion to dismiss |
| Jun 4, 2026 | Hearing | Motion to Dismiss and Scheduling Conference vacated, ruling will be issued |
| Nov 20, 2026 | Other | Deadline for settlement conference |
| May 21, 2027 | Status Conference | Final pretrial conference |
| Jun 8, 2027 | Trial | Jury trial |
Docket
| Date | No. | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 20, 2025 | 1 | NOTICE OF REMOVAL from Los Angeles County Superior Court, case number 24SMCV05819 Receipt No: ACACDC-40955336 - Fee: $405, filed by Defendants Combs Enterprises, LLC, Bad Boy Entertainment. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A - Rejection of Service of Epic Records, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit B - Register of Actions, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit C Summons, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit D - Notice of Case Assignment - Unlimited Civil Case, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit E - Complaint, # 6 Exhibit Exhibit F - Civil Case Cover Sheet, # 7 Exhibit Exhibit G - Alternative Dispute Resolution Packet, # 8 Exhibit Exhibit H - Notice of Case Management Conference, # 9 Exhibit Exhibit I - Minute Order (Case Management Conference), # 10 Exhibit Exhibit J - Certificate of Mailing for(Case Management Conference), # 11 Exhibit Exhibit K - Declaration of James Nikraftar, # 12 Exhibit Exhibit L - Case Management Statement, # 13 Exhibit Exhibit M - Notice of Appearance, # 14 Exhibit Exhibit N - Minute Order (Case Management Conference; Order to Show Cause Re_ Dismissal), # 15 Exhibit Exhibit O - First Amended Complaint, # 16 Exhibit Exhibit P - Declaration of James Nikraftar, # 17 Exhibit Exhibit Q - Minute Order (Case Management Conference), # 18 Exhibit Exhibit R - Notice of Rejection - Request For Dismissal, # 19 Exhibit Exhibit S - Proof of Service for CeOpco, # 20 Exhibit Exhibit T - Proof of Service for Bad Boy Entertainment, # 21 Exhibit Exhibit U - Proof of Service for Bad Boy Records, # 22 Exhibit Exhibit V - Proof of Service for Epic Records, # 23 Exhibit Exhibit W - Affidavit of Due Diligence, # 24 Exhibit Exhibit X - Order Granting Request for Dismissal of Bad Boy Records) (Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party Bad Boy Entertainment(pty:dft), Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party Combs Enterprises, LLC(pty:dft))(Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 11/20/2025) | No document Exhibit Exhibit A - Rejection of Service of Epic Records |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 2 | CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, LLC. (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 11/20/2025) | No document Attachment 25-CV-11160-FMO-AS_DOCUMENT_36_FILED_05-26-26 Attachment 25-CV-11160-FMO-AS_DOCUMENT_37_FILED_05-26-26_ |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 3 | Corporate Disclosure Statement and NOTICE of Interested Parties filed by Defendant Bad Boy Entertainment, identifying Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., as corporate parent. (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 11/20/2025) | No document |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 4 | Corporate Disclosure Statement and NOTICE of Interested Parties filed by Defendant Combs Enterprises, LLC, identifying 1169 Group Holdings LLC, and 1169 Corp, as corporate parents. (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 11/20/2025) | No document |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 5 | CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE filed by Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, LLC, CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF NOTICE TO ADVERSE PARTY OF REMOVAL TO FEDERAL COURT served on 11/20/2025. (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 11/20/2025) | No document |
| Nov 26, 2025 | 6 | WAIVER OF SERVICE Returned Executed filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan. Waiver of Service signed by Jonathan D. Davis. (Nikraftar, James) (Entered: 11/26/2025) | No document |
| Nov 26, 2025 | 7 | STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File Answer to January 23, 2026 filed by Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, Combs Enterprises, LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order [PROPOSED] ORDER EXTENDING DEFENDANTS CEOPCO, LLC AND BAD BOY ENTERTAINMENT LLCS TIME TO RESPOND TO THE FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT)(Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 11/26/2025) | No document |
| Dec 4, 2025 | 8 | NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Fernando M. Olguin and Magistrate Judge Alka Sagar. (mza) (Entered: 12/04/2025) | No document |
| Dec 4, 2025 | 9 | NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (mza) (Entered: 12/04/2025) | No document |
| Dec 4, 2025 | 10 | Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (mza) (Entered: 12/04/2025) | No document |
| Dec 8, 2025 | 11 | TEXT ONLY ENTRY by Chambers of Judge Fernando M. Olguin. This matter has been assigned to District Judge Fernando M. Olguin. The Court refers counsel to the Court's standing orders found on the Court's Website under Judge Olguin's Procedures and Schedules. Please read these Orders carefully. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (vdr) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 12/08/2025) | No document |
| Dec 8, 2025 | 12 | ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION 7 EXTENDING DEFENDANTS CEOPCO, LLC AND BAD BOY ENTERTAINMENT LLC'S TIME TO RESPOND TO THE FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT by Judge Fernando M. Olguin. Defendant CeOpco and BBE must answer, move, or otherwise respond to Plaintiffs FAC by January 23, 2026. SEE ORDER FOR DETAILS. (chk) (Entered: 12/09/2025) | No document |
| Jan 19, 2026 | 13 | First STIPULATION Extending Time to Answer the complaint as to Sean Combs answer now due 2/6/2026, filed by Defendant Sean Combs. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order, # 2 Declaration)(Ramler, Jonathan) (Entered: 01/19/2026) | No document |
| Jan 20, 2026 | 14 | ORDER ON STIPULATION 13 EXTENDING DEFENDANTS' TIME TO RESPOND TO THE FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT by Judge Fernando M. Olguin. Defendants must answer, move, or otherwise respond to the FAC by February 6, 2026. (iv) (Entered: 01/20/2026) | View PDF |
| Jan 30, 2026 | 15 | NOTICE OF DISMISSAL filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan pursuant to FRCP 41a(1) as to Epic Records. (Nikraftar, James) (Entered: 01/30/2026) | View PDF |
| Feb 10, 2026 | 16 | (In Chambers) Order to Show Cause by Judge Fernando M. Olguin. Response to Order to Show Cause due by 2/17/2026. (vdr) | View PDF |
| Feb 10, 2026 | 17 | Joint STIPULATION to FILE AMENDED COMPLAINT filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A)(Nikraftar, James) (Entered: 02/10/2026) | No document |
| Feb 11, 2026 | 18 | NOTICE TO FILER OF DEFICIENCIES in Electronic Filed Document RE: Stipulation 17 . The following errors were found: (1) Proposed document was not submitted or was not submitted as a separate attachment; and (2) Counsel failed to send a proposed order to FMO_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. The stipulation will be stricken if the proposed order is not emailed to the chambers email by 2/12/2026. (vdr) (Entered: 02/11/2026) | No document |
| Feb 11, 2026 | 19 | *STRICKEN* Joint STIPULATION for Order Allowing Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan To File Amended Complaint (re Dkt 17) filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan.(Nikraftar, James) Modified on 2/12/2026 (vdr). (Entered: 02/11/2026) | View PDF |
| Feb 11, 2026 | 20 | NOTICE OF LODGING filed re Stipulation for Order 19 (Nikraftar, James) (Entered: 02/11/2026) | No document |
| Feb 12, 2026 | 21 | ORDER STRIKING by Judge Fernando M. Olguin Re: Stipulation 19 . The following document(s) be STRICKEN for failure to comply with the Local Rules, General Order and/or the Courts Case Management Order for the following reason(s): (1) Incorrect event selected; and (2) Proposed Document was not submitted as separate attachment. No action is needed by plaintiff. The proposed order was already emailed to chambers as requested. (vdr) (Entered: 02/12/2026) | No document |
| Feb 12, 2026 | 22 | ORDER GRANTING JOINT STIPULATION 17 by Judge Fernando M. Olguin. The Second Amended Complaint shall be filed by 2/13/2026; an answer is due by 3/6/2026. (vdr) (Entered: 02/12/2026) | No document |
| Feb 12, 2026 | 23 | SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT against Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, Sean Combs, Combs Enterprises, LLC, Doe Corps. amending Amended Complaint,, filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bonogolan Bryana Bongolan(Nikraftar, James) (Entered: 02/12/2026) | View PDF |
| Mar 6, 2026 | 24 | NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Dismiss Case filed by Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, CeOpco LLC, Sean Combs. Motion set for hearing on 4/9/2026 at 10:00 AM before Judge Fernando M. Olguin. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANTS MOTION TO DISMISS THE SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT, # 2 Declaration DECLARATION OF LILAH N. COOK IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANTS MOTION TO DISMISS THE SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT, # 3 Proposed Order [PROPOSED] ORDER GRANTING DEFENDANTS MOTION TO DISMISS THE SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT [Dkt. No. 24]) (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 03/06/2026) | No document Memorandum MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANTS MOTION TO DISMISS THE SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT |
| Mar 8, 2026 | 25 | ORDER SETTING SCHEDULING CONFERENCE by Judge Fernando M. Olguin. Scheduling Conference set for 4/9/2026 at 10:00 AM before Judge Fernando M. Olguin. (vdr) (Entered: 03/08/2026) | No document |
| Mar 10, 2026 | 26 | Notice of Appearance or Withdrawal of Counsel: for attorney Lilah Nadine Cook counsel for Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, CeOpco LLC, Sean Combs. Jonathan Kent Ramler is no longer counsel of record for the aforementioned party in this case for the reason indicated in the G-123 Notice. Filed by Defendants Sean Combs, CeOpco LLC, and Bad Boy Entertainment LLC. (Cook, Lilah) (Entered: 03/10/2026) | No document |
| Mar 11, 2026 | 27 | DEMAND for Jury Trial filed by Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, CeOpco LLC, Sean Combs.. (Cook, Lilah) (Entered: 03/11/2026) | No document |
| Mar 18, 2026 | 28 | Joint STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File Response as to NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Dismiss Case 24 filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Granting Joint Stipulation Allowing Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan extended time to respond to Defendants Motion to Dismiss)(Nikraftar, James) (Entered: 03/18/2026) | View PDF |
| Mar 20, 2026 | 29 | ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION 28 by Judge Fernando M. Olgui. The Motion Dismiss 24 and Scheduling Conference are continued for hearing to 5/21/2026 at 10:00 AM before Judge Fernando M. Olguin. (vdr) (Entered: 03/20/2026) | No document |
| Mar 24, 2026 | 30 | DEMAND for Jury Trial filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan.. (Nikraftar, James) (Entered: 03/24/2026) | No document |
| Apr 30, 2026 | 31 | PLAINTIFF'S OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANTS' MOTION TO DISMISS SECOND AMENDED COMPLAINT (05-21-2026) re NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Dismiss Case 24 filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order Proposed Order Denying Defendants Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended Complaint (Hearing 05-21-2026))(Nikraftar, James) (Entered: 04/30/2026) | View PDF |
| May 5, 2026 | 32 | STIPULATION for Extension of Time to File, STIPULATION for Hearing re Motion to Dismiss and Scheduling Conference filed by Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, CeOpco LLC, Sean Combs. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Cook, Lilah) (Entered: 05/05/2026) | No document |
| May 7, 2026 | 33 | REPLY in support of NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Dismiss Case 24 filed by Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, CeOpco LLC, Sean Combs. (Cook, Lilah) (Entered: 05/07/2026) | No document |
| May 8, 2026 | 34 | ORDER GRANTING STIPULATION 32 by Judge Fernando M. Olguin. The Motion to Dismiss 24 and Scheduling Conference are continued to be heard on 6/4/2026 at 10:00 AM before Judge Fernando M. Olguin. (vdr) (Entered: 05/08/2026) | View PDF |
| May 21, 2026 | 35 | JOINT REPORT Rule 26(f) Discovery Plan ; estimated length of trial 5-7 days, filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan.. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A - Proposed Case Schedule)(Nikraftar, James) (Entered: 05/21/2026) | No document Exhibit Exhibit A - Proposed Case Schedule |
| May 26, 2026 | 36 | SCHEDULING AND CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER RE: JURY TRIAL by Judge Fernando M. Olguin. The court deems a Scheduling Conference unnecessary and hereby vacates the hearing. Jury Trial set for 6/8/2027 at 9:00 AM before Judge Fernando M. Olguin. *See order for dates, deadlines, requirements imposed.* (vdr) (Entered: 05/26/2026) | View PDF |
| May 26, 2026 | 37 | ORDER RE: SUMMARY JUDGMENT MOTIONS by Judge Fernando M. Olguin. (vdr) (Entered: 05/26/2026) | View PDF |
| May 29, 2026 | 38 | TEXT ONLY ENTRY by Chambers of Judge Fernando M. Olguin. On the court's own motion, the Motion to Dismiss 24 is taken off the 6/4/2026 calendar and placed under submission. No appearances are required on 6/4/2026. An order with the court's ruling will issue. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (vdr) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 05/29/2026) | No document |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 5.1 | CONFORMED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan, upon Defendant Bad Boy Entertainment served on 10/30/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon "John Doe", Legal Representative, CSC in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by service on a domestic corporation, unincorporated association, or public entity. [FILED IN STATE COURT 11/7/25. SUBMITTED AS ATTACHMENT NO. 20 EXHIBIT T TO THE NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ] (mza) | No document |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 5.2 | CONFORMED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan, upon Defendant Epic Records served on 10/30/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon "Jane Doe", CSC Agent in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by service on a domestic corporation, unincorporated association, or public entity. [FILED IN STATE COURT 11/12/25. SUBMITTED AS ATTACHMENT NO. 22 EXHIBIT V TO THE NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ] (mza) | No document |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 5.3 | CONFORMED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan, upon Defendant Bad Boy Records served on 10/21/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Rebecca Vang, Agent for CSC in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by service on a domestic corporation, unincorporated association, or public entity. [FILED IN STATE COURT 11/7/25. SUBMITTED AS ATTACHMENT NO. 21 EXHIBIT U TO THE NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ] (mza) | No document |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 5.4 | CONFORMED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE Executed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan, upon Defendant Combs Enterprises, LLC served on 10/28/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Lynanne Gares in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by service on a domestic corporation, unincorporated association, or public entity. [FILED IN STATE COURT 11/7/25. SUBMITTED AS ATTACHMENT NO. 19 EXHIBIT S TO THE NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ] (mza) | No document |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 5.5 | CONFORMED COPY OF COMPLAINT against Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, Bad Boy Records, Sean Combs, Combs Enterprises, LLC, Doe Corps., Epic Records. Jury Demanded., filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan. [FILED IN STATE COURT 11/27/24. SUBMITTED AS ATTACHMENT NO. 5 EXHIBIT E TO THE NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ] (mza) | No document |
| Nov 20, 2025 | 5.6 | CONFORMED COPY OF FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT against Defendants Bad Boy Entertainment, Bad Boy Records, Sean Combs, Combs Enterprises, LLC, Doe Corps., Epic Records amending Complaint - (Discovery), filed by Plaintiff Bryana Bongolan. [FILED IN STATE COURT 10/14/25. SUBMITTED AS ATTACHMENT NO. 15 EXHIBIT O TO THE NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ] (mza) | No document |
Attorneys
James R. Nikraftar
Miller Barondess, LLP
Plaintiff
Michael Schonbuch
Schonbuch Hallissy LLP
Civil Defense