Case #2:26-cv-00317 · United States District Court, Central District of California

Leiana Ripley v. Sean Combs et al

Filed January 12, 2026 Judge Judge Stephen V. Wilson
Open Sean Combs Daddy's House Recordings, Inc. CE OPCO, LLC d/b/a Combs Global f/k/a Combs Enterprises LLC Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc. Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc. Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc. Bad Boy Entertainment LLC Bad Boy Productions, LLC Organizational Does 1-10 Individual Does 1-10
Contains Sexual Assault · Drugging · Intimidation
Parties
Leiana Ripley Plaintiff
Sean Combs Individual, a prominent rapper, record producer, and record executive who assaulted Ripley at Club Playhouse in Los Angeles.
Daddy's House Recordings, Inc. New York corporation, part of the Combs Businesses, alleged to have enabled the assault through negligent supervision.
CE OPCO, LLC d/b/a Combs Global f/k/a Combs Enterprises LLC Delaware LLC, part of the Combs Businesses, alleged to have enabled the assault through negligent supervision.
Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc. New York corporation, part of the Combs Businesses, alleged to have enabled the assault through negligent supervision.
Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc. New York corporation, part of the Combs Businesses, alleged to have enabled the assault through negligent supervision.
Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc. New York corporation, part of the Combs Businesses, alleged to have enabled the assault through negligent supervision.
Bad Boy Entertainment LLC New York LLC, part of the Combs Businesses, alleged to have enabled the assault through negligent supervision.
Bad Boy Productions, LLC New York LLC, part of the Combs Businesses, alleged to have enabled the assault through negligent supervision.
Organizational Does 1-10 Unknown entities that allegedly enabled or conspired with Combs in the conduct.
Individual Does 1-10 Unknown individuals, including associates present during the assault, who allegedly enabled or conspired with Combs.
Factual Allegations
Disclaimer: allegations as pled by the plaintiff, summarized by Grok.

On or around November 1, 2016, Leiana Ripley traveled to Los Angeles, California, to celebrate her 20th birthday and stayed at the Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel. That night, Ripley visited several clubs, including Club Playhouse, where Sean Combs approached him with several associates nearby. Initially excited by the encounter, Ripley’s feelings shifted due to Combs’ arrogant and entitled behavior. When Ripley declined a drink offered by Combs, Combs responded with hostility, saying, 'Bitch, I am not asking you. Drink that shit and shut the fuck up,' and forcefully slid the glass toward her. Frightened, Ripley consumed the drink. Combs then placed his right arm around Ripley in a side hug and shoved his left hand up Ripley’s skirt, forcefully penetrating her with his fingers while saying, 'Bitch I do what I want, take that shit.' Combs’ associates laughed in the background. Ripley attempted to push Combs off but was unable to, and Combs laughed, appearing amused. Eventually, Combs released Ripley, allowing her to leave. Feeling disoriented and fearful that Combs or his associates might follow, Ripley quickly exited the club and took a cab to her hotel. By the time she reached the hotel, her disorientation intensified, and she felt dizzy, light-headed, and unable to stand without support. Hotel staff assisted her to her room. The next morning, Ripley awoke to find bruising and a tear in and around her genitals, likely from the assault.

Prayer for Relief

Past, present, and future general and special damages, including lost earnings and economic damages; statutory damages; costs of suit; interest as allowed by law; punitive or exemplary damages; attorney’s fees pursuant to Civil Code sections 51.9(b), 52, 52.4; and other relief deemed just by the court.

Causes of Action
FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION Sexual Assault & Battery (Against Defendant Sean Combs)
SECOND CAUSE OF ACTION Gender Violence Cal. Civ. Code § 52.4 (Against Defendant Sean Combs)
THIRD CAUSE OF ACTION Negligent Supervision and Retention (Against Defendants Daddy's House Recordings, Inc., CE OPCO, LLC, Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment LLC, Bad Boy Productions, LLC)
Docket
Date No. Description
Jan 12, 2026 1 NOTICE OF REMOVAL from Los Angeles County Superior Court, case number 25SMCV05235 Receipt No: ACACDC-41261110 - Fee: $405, filed by Defendants Bad Boy Productions, LLC, Daddys House Recordings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., Sean Combs, Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., CE OPCO, LLC, Bad Boy Entertainment LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit A Summons, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit B - Notice of Assignment, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit C - Complaint and Demand for Jury Trial, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit D - State Court Civil Cover Sheet, # 5 Exhibit Exhibit E - ADR Package, # 6 Exhibit Exhibit F - Notice of Case Management Conference, # 7 Exhibit Exhibit G - Clerk's Certificate of Service by Electronic Service, # 8 Exhibit Exhibit H - Plaintiff's Notice of Posting Jury Fees, # 9 Exhibit Exhibit I - Proof of Service - Bad Boy Entertainment LLC, # 10 Exhibit Exhibit J - Proof of Service - Bad Boy Productions LLC, # 11 Exhibit Exhibit K - Proof of Service - Daddy's House Recordings Inc, # 12 Exhibit Exhibit L - Proof of Service - Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., # 13 Exhibit Exhibit M - Proof of Service - CeOpco, # 14 Exhibit Exhibit N - Proof of Service - Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., # 15 Exhibit Exhibit O - Proof of Service - Sean Combs, # 16 Exhibit Exhibit P - Proof of Service - Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., # 17 Exhibit Exhibit Q - NOTICE OF CASE REASSIGNMENT AND ORDER FOR PLAINTIFF TO GIVE NOTICE (Dates Remain), # 18 Exhibit Exhibit R - Clerk's Certificate of Service by Electronic Service, # 19 Exhibit Exhibit S - Plaintiff's Proof of Service on Notice of Case Reassignment and Order for Plaintiff to Give Notice, # 20 Exhibit Exhibit T - ROA) (Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc.(pty:dft), Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc.(pty:dft), Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party Bad Boy Entertainment LLC(pty:dft), Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc.(pty:dft), Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party Bad Boy Productions, LLC(pty:dft), Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party CE OPCO, LLC(pty:dft), Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party Sean Combs(pty:dft), Attorney Michael N Schonbuch added to party Daddys House Recordings, Inc.(pty:dft))(Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/12/2026) No document
Jan 12, 2026 2 CIVIL COVER SHEET filed by Defendants Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment LLC, Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Productions, LLC, CE OPCO, LLC, Sean Combs, Daddys House Recordings, Inc.. (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/12/2026) No document
Jan 12, 2026 3 NOTICE and CERTIFICATE of Interested Parties filed by Defendant Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/12/2026) No document
Jan 12, 2026 4 NOTICE and CERTIFICATE of Interested Parties filed by Defendant Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/12/2026) No document
Jan 12, 2026 5 NOTICE and CERTIFICATE of Interested Parties filed by Defendant Bad Boy Entertainment LLC, (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/12/2026) No document
Jan 12, 2026 6 NOTICE and CERTIFICATE of Interested Parties filed by Defendant Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/12/2026) No document
Jan 12, 2026 7 NOTICE and CERTIFICATE of Interested Parties filed by Defendant Bad Boy Productions, LLC, (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/12/2026) No document
Jan 12, 2026 8 NOTICE and CERTIFICATE of Interested Parties filed by Defendant CE OPCO, LLC, (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/12/2026) No document
Jan 12, 2026 9 NOTICE and CERTIFICATE of Interested Parties filed by Defendant Daddys House Recordings, Inc., (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/12/2026) No document
Jan 15, 2026 10 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE filed by Defendants Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment LLC, Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Productions, LLC, CE OPCO, LLC, Sean Combs, Daddys House Recordings, Inc., CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE OF NOTICE TO ADVERSE PARTY OF REMOVAL TO FEDERAL COURT served on 1/12/26. (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 01/15/2026) No document
Jan 16, 2026 11 NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT to District Judge Stephen V. Wilson and Magistrate Judge Alicia G. Rosenberg. (et) (Entered: 01/16/2026) No document
Jan 16, 2026 12 NOTICE TO PARTIES OF COURT-DIRECTED ADR PROGRAM filed. (et) (Entered: 01/16/2026) No document
Jan 16, 2026 13 Notice to Counsel Re Consent to Proceed Before a United States Magistrate Judge. (et) (Entered: 01/16/2026) No document
Jan 16, 2026 14 NOTICE OF PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION DUE for Non-Resident Attorney Anthony G. Buzbee on behalf of Plaintiff. A document recently filed in this case lists you as an out-of-state attorney of record. However, the Court has not been able to locate any record that you are admitted to the Bar of this Court, and you have not filed an application to appear Pro Hac Vice in this case. Accordingly, within 5 business days of the date of this notice, you must either (1) have your local counsel file an application to appear Pro Hac Vice (Form G-64) and pay the applicable fee, or (2) complete the next section of this form and return it to the court at cacd_attyadm@cacd.uscourts.gov. You have been removed as counsel of record from the docket in this case, and you will not be added back to the docket until your Pro Hac Vice status has been resolved. (et) (Entered: 01/16/2026) No document
Jan 16, 2026 15 NOTICE OF PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION DUE for Non-Resident Attorney Thomas Colby Holler on behalf of Plaintiff. A document recently filed in this case lists you as an out-of-state attorney of record. However, the Court has not been able to locate any record that you are admitted to the Bar of this Court, and you have not filed an application to appear Pro Hac Vice in this case. Accordingly, within 5 business days of the date of this notice, you must either (1) have your local counsel file an application to appear Pro Hac Vice (Form G-64) and pay the applicable fee, or (2) complete the next section of this form and return it to the court at cacd_attyadm@cacd.uscourts.gov. You have been removed as counsel of record from the docket in this case, and you will not be added back to the docket until your Pro Hac Vice status has been resolved. (et) (Entered: 01/16/2026) No document
Jan 16, 2026 16 NOTICE OF PRO HAC VICE APPLICATION DUE for Non-Resident Attorney Meredith Drukker Stratigopoulos. A document recently filed in this case lists you as an out-of-state attorney of record. However, the Court has not been able to locate any record that you are admitted to the Bar of this Court, and you have not filed an application to appear Pro Hac Vice in this case. Accordingly, within 5 business days of the date of this notice, you must either (1) have your local counsel file an application to appear Pro Hac Vice (Form G-64) and pay the applicable fee, or (2) complete the next section of this form and return it to the court at cacd_attyadm@cacd.uscourts.gov. You have been removed as counsel of record from the docket in this case, and you will not be added back to the docket until your Pro Hac Vice status has been resolved. (et) (Entered: 01/16/2026) No document
Jan 16, 2026 17 NEW CASE ORDER upon filing of the complaint by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (dta) (Entered: 01/16/2026) No document
Jan 16, 2026 18 ORDER SETTING INITIAL STATUS CONFERENCE for 2/2/2026 at 3:00 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (dta) (Entered: 01/16/2026) No document
Jan 20, 2026 19 First STIPULATION Extending Time to Answer the complaint as to Bad Boy Productions, LLC answer now due 2/19/2026; Daddys House Recordings, Inc. answer now due 2/19/2026; Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc. answer now due 2/19/2026; Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc. answer now due 2/19/2026; Sean Combs answer now due 2/19/2026; Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc. answer now due 2/19/2026; CeOpco, LLC answer now due 2/19/2026; Bad Boy Entertainment LLC answer now due 2/19/2026, filed by Defendants Bad Boy Productions, LLC; Daddys House Recordings, Inc.; Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc.; Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc.; Sean Combs; Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc.; CeOpco, LLC; Bad Boy Entertainment LLC.(Cook, Lilah) (Entered: 01/20/2026) No document
Jan 29, 2026 20 First STIPULATION to Continue Initial Status Conference from February 2, 2026 to March 30, 2026 Re: Initial Order Setting R26 Scheduling Conference - form only 18 filed by Defendants Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment LLC, Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Productions, LLC, CeOpco, LLC, Sean Combs, Daddys House Recordings, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration Declaration of Michael Schonbuch in Support of Joint Stipulation to Continue Initial Status Conference, or, in the Alternative, Allow Non-Lead Counsel to Attend, # 2 Declaration Declaration of David Fortney in Support of Joint Stipulation to Continue Initial Status Conference, or, in the Alternative, Allow Non-Lead Counsel to Attend, # 3 Proposed Order [Proposed] Order re Joint Stipulation to Continue Initial Status Conference, or, in the Alternative, Allow Non-Lead Counsel to Attend)(Cook, Lilah) (Entered: 01/29/2026) No document
Jan 30, 2026 21 ORDER RE JOINT STIPULATION TO CONTINUE INITIAL STATUS CONFERENCE 20 by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. The Initial Status Conference set for February 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., is hereby continued to Monday, March 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., due to the unavailability of lead trial counsel. Counsel may appear via Zoom. (chk) (Entered: 01/30/2026) No document
Feb 20, 2026 22 First AMENDED COMPLAINT against Defendants Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment LLC, Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Productions, LLC, CeOpco, LLC, Sean Combs, Daddys House Recordings, Inc., Does(1-10 (Organizational)), Does(1-10 (Individual)) amending Complaint - (Discovery),, filed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Redlined to Original Complaint)(Fortney, David) (Entered: 02/20/2026) No document
Feb 27, 2026 23 (IN CHAMBERS) ORDER AND SCHEDULING NOTICE by Judge Stephen V. Wilson: This Court, on its own motion, hereby ADVANCES AS TO TIME ONLY the Status Conference set for 3/2/2025 FROM 3:00 PM TO 2:00 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. Due to the late change in schedule, the parties may appear via Zoom if there are scheduling conflicts. The Zoom link can be accessed from the Judges Procedures and Schedules page at www.cacd.uscourts.gov. SO ORDERED. THERE IS NO PDF DOCUMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS ENTRY. (dta) TEXT ONLY ENTRY (Entered: 02/27/2026) No document
Mar 2, 2026 24 MINUTES OF Status Conference held before Judge Stephen V. Wilson: Status Conference held. Jury Trial set for June 30, 2026, at 9:00 am and the Pretrial Conference is set for June 22, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Attorney for Plaintiff(s): David Christopher Fortney. Attorney for Defendant(s): Michael N Schonbuch. Courtroom Deputy: Daniel Tamayo. Time in Court: 20 mins. Court Recorder: Court Smart 3/2/2026. (dta) (Entered: 03/05/2026) No document
Mar 5, 2026 25 CIVIL TRIAL PREPARATION ORDER by Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (dta) (Entered: 03/05/2026) View PDF
Mar 5, 2026 26 NOTICE OF MOTION AND MOTION to Dismiss Case filed by Defendants Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment LLC, Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Productions, LLC, CeOpco, LLC, Sean Combs, Daddys House Recordings, Inc.. Motion set for hearing on 4/6/2026 at 01:30 PM before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. (Attachments: # 1 Memorandum MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANTS MOTION TO DISMISS THE FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT, # 2 Declaration DECLARATION OF LILAH N. COOK IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANTS MOTION TO DISMISS THE FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT, # 3 Proposed Order [PROPOSED] ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO DISMISS [DKT. NO. 26]) (Schonbuch, Michael) (Entered: 03/05/2026) View PDF Memorandum MEMORANDUM OF POINTS AND AUTHORITIES IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANTS MOTION TO DISMISS THE FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT Declaration DECLARATION OF LILAH N. COOK IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANTS MOTION TO DISMISS THE FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT
Mar 12, 2026 27 NOTICE of Voluntary Dismissal filed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley. Dismissal is without prejudice. (Fortney, David) (Entered: 03/12/2026) View PDF
Jan 12, 2026 9.1 CONFORMED E-FILED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS Executed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley, upon Defendant CeOpco, LLC served on 11/17/2025, answer due 12/8/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Laura Bryda (Registered Agent) in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by personal service. (FILED IN STATE COURT ON 12/18/2025 SUBMITTED ATTACHED TO EXHIBIT M TO NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ). (et) No document
Jan 12, 2026 9.2 CONFORMED E-FILED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS Executed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley, upon Defendant Daddys House Recordings, Inc. served on 11/20/2025, answer due 12/11/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Jane Doe (Registered Agent) in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by personal service. (FILED IN STATE COURT ON 12/18/2025 SUBMITTED ATTACHED TO EXHIBIT K TO NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ). (et) No document
Jan 12, 2026 9.3 CONFORMED E-FILED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS Executed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley, upon Defendant Bad Boy Productions, LLC served on 11/20/2025, answer due 12/11/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Jane Doe (Registered Agent) in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by personal service. (FILED IN STATE COURT ON 12/18/2025 SUBMITTED ATTACHED TO EXHIBIT J TO NOTICE OF REMOVAL [1 ] ). (et) No document
Jan 12, 2026 9.4 CONFORMED E-FILED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS Executed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley, upon Defendant Bad Boy Entertainment LLC served on 11/20/2025, answer due 12/11/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Jane Doe (Registered Agent) in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by personal service. (FILED IN STATE COURT ON 12/18/2025 SUBMITTED ATTACHED TO EXHIBIT I TO NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ). (et) No document
Jan 12, 2026 9.5 CONFORMED E-FILED COPY OF COMPLAINT against Defendants Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Entertainment LLC, Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc., Bad Boy Productions, LLC, CeOpco, LLC, Sean Combs, Daddys House Recordings, Inc., Does (1-10 (Organizational)), Does(1-10 (Individual)). Jury Demanded., filed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley. (FILED IN STATE COURT ON 10/03/2025 SUBMITTED ATTACHED TO EXHIBIT C TO NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ). (et) No document
Jan 12, 2026 9.6 CONFORMED E-FILED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS Executed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley, upon Defendant Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc. served on 11/20/2025, answer due 12/11/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Jane Doe (Registered Agent) in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by personal service. (FILED IN STATE COURT ON 12/18/2025 SUBMITTED ATTACHED TO EXHIBIT L TO NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ). (et) No document
Jan 12, 2026 9.7 CONFORMED E-FILED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS Executed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley, upon Defendant Bad Boy Productions Holdings, Inc. served on 11/20/2025, answer due 12/11/2025. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Jane Doe (Registered Agent) in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by personal service. (FILED IN STATE COURT ON 12/18/2025 SUBMITTED ATTACHED TO EXHIBIT N TO NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ). (et) No document
Jan 12, 2026 9.8 CONFORMED E-FILED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS Executed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley, upon Defendant Sean Combs served on 12/11/2025, answer due 1/2/2026. in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by personal service. (FILED IN STATE COURT ON 12/18/2025 SUBMITTED ATTACHED TO EXHIBIT O TO NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ). (et) No document
Jan 12, 2026 9.9 CONFORMED E-FILED COPY OF PROOF OF SERVICE OF SUMMONS Executed by Plaintiff Leiana Ripley, upon Defendant Bad Boy Books Holdings, Inc. served on 12/11/2025, answer due 1/2/2026. Service of the Summons and Complaint were executed upon Sean Combs (Managing Agent) in compliance with California Code of Civil Procedure by personal service. (FILED IN STATE COURT ON 12/18/2025 SUBMITTED ATTACHED TO EXHIBIT P TO NOTICE OF REMOVAL 1 ). (et) No document
Attorneys
Anthony G. Buzbee
The Buzbee Law Firm
Plaintiff
David C. Fortney
The Buzbee Law Firm
Plaintiff
Thomas Colby Holler
The Buzbee Law Firm
Plaintiff
Meredith Drukker Stratigopoulos
The Buzbee Law Firm
Plaintiff
Michael Schonbuch
Schonbuch Hallissy LLP
Civil Defense