Liza Gardner v. Sean Combs et al

In 1990, Liza Gardner, a resident of North Carolina, traveled to New York City with a friend, invited by members of a chart-topping recording group signed to MCA Records, whom she knew from her home state. At an MCA Records event in NYC, she met Sean Combs and Aaron Hall, who were flirtatious and provided her and her friend with drinks throughout the night. Later, Combs and Hall invited them to Hall’s apartment for an afterparty, where Gardner was coerced into having sex with Combs. After Combs finished, Hall barged in, pinned her down, and raped her as she tried to dress, leaving her shocked and traumatized. Her friend was similarly assaulted by both men in another room, with Combs and Hall allegedly switching victims. Days later, Combs visited their residence, assaulting and choking Gardner until she passed out, fearing her friend would expose the incident. Gardner has since sought medical treatment for the resulting trauma.

Declaratory judgment that Defendants violated New York laws; compensatory damages for monetary/economic losses (past and future income, wages, benefits) and non-monetary damages (mental anguish, humiliation, emotional distress); punitive damages; prejudgment interest; attorneys’ fees, costs, and expert witness fees; and other just relief.

Plaintiff's cross motion for voluntary discontinuance is granted, and the matter is discontinued without prejudice to be brought in New Jersey. Defendant UMG Recordings, Inc.'s motion to dismiss is denied.