John Doe v. Sean Combs et al
In late 2014, John Doe, a college student and Los Angeles native interning for Bad Boy Records, was invited to assist with the production of a music video for an artist signed to the label. He drove to the shoot at a house in the Val Verde area near Los Angeles, where Sean Combs was present. After the shoot, an after-party was held at the same location, hosted by Combs. The party had an open bar with alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, and other narcotics provided. Doe consumed two to three alcoholic drinks from the staff, after which he felt unusually 'off,' despite being experienced with alcohol. He became increasingly intoxicated, nearing blackout, and believes the drinks were spiked with drugs. In a haze, Doe was led to a room where sexual acts were occurring, unable to resist due to the effects of the substance(s). He was placed on a bed or couch and was anally penetrated by an unknown individual, alleged as Individual Doe 1. Due to the drugs and trauma, Doe blacked out. He regained consciousness around 4:00 or 5:00 a.m., noticed significant rectal bleeding in the restroom, and left the party. The next day, he tested negative for sexually transmitted diseases, but a few months later, he tested positive for HIV, which he attributes to the assault. He has been treated for HIV ever since and suffers ongoing physical and psychological harm.
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.
| Date | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May 5, 2026 | Hearing | Order to Show Cause Re: removal to federal court |
| Date | No. | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 3, 2025 | 1 | Summons on Complaint. Filed by John Doe (Plaintiff) | No document |
| Oct 3, 2025 | 2 | Notice of Case Assignment - Unlimited Civil Case. Filed by Clerk | No document |
| Oct 3, 2025 | 3 | Complaint. Filed by John Doe (Plaintiff) | No document |
| Oct 3, 2025 | 4 | Civil Case Cover Sheet. Filed by John Doe (Plaintiff) | No document |
| Oct 3, 2025 | 5 | Alternative Dispute Resolution Packet. Filed by Clerk | No document |
| Oct 6, 2025 | 6 | Notice of Case Management Conference. Filed by Clerk | No document |
| Oct 6, 2025 | 7 | Clerks Certificate of Service By Electronic Service. Filed by Clerk | No document |
| Oct 23, 2025 | 8 | Notice of Posting of Jury Fees. Filed by John Doe (Plaintiff) | No document |
| Dec 18, 2025 | 9 | Proof of Personal Service. Filed by John Doe (Plaintiff) | No document |
| Dec 18, 2025 | 10 | Proof of Personal Service. Filed by John Doe (Plaintiff) | No document |
| Dec 18, 2025 | 11 | Proof of Personal Service. Filed by John Doe (Plaintiff) | No document |
| Dec 29, 2025 | 12 | Notice of Case Reassignment and Order for Plaintiff to Give Notice. Filed by Clerk | No document |
| Dec 29, 2025 | 13 | Clerks Certificate of Service By Electronic Service. Filed by Clerk | No document |
| Dec 30, 2025 | 14 | Proof of Service (not Summons and Complaint). Filed by John Doe (Plaintiff) | No document |
| Jan 12, 2026 | 15 | Notice of Removal to Federal Court. Filed by Sean Combs (Defendant); Daddy's House Recordings, Inc. (Defendant); CE OPCO, LLC (Defendant) et al. | No document |
| Jan 12, 2026 | 16 | Notice TO ADVERSE PARTY OF REMOVAL TO FEDERAL COURT BY SPECIALLY APPEARING DEFENDANTS. Filed by Sean Combs (Defendant); Daddy's House Recordings, Inc. (Defendant); CE OPCO, LLC (Defendant) et al. | No document |
| Feb 26, 2026 | 17 | Minute Order (Case Management Conference). Filed by Clerk | No document |
| Feb 26, 2026 | 18 | Clerks Certificate of Service By Electronic Service. Filed by Clerk | No document |
| May 5, 2026 | 19 | Minute Order (Order to Show Cause Re: removal to federal court). Filed by Clerk | No document |