Extra: As Sean Combs Is Sued Over Making the Band with Trigger Warning Motion to Dismiss in June - analysis here

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by Matthew Russell Lee, Patreon Book Substack

SDNY COURTHOUSE, April 28 – Sara Rivers, formerly known as Sara Stokes, sued Sean Combs and 21 others including his mother, for abuse she said she suffered during the production of Making the Band.

On April 28 a conference was held by U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Judge Jed S. Rakoff. Inner City Press live tweeted it. From the thread

Defense lawyer: We represent Mr. Combs, Bad Boy Productions, sued incorrectly, Janice Combs Publishing, and Sean Jean Clothing LLC

Voice: There were nine-

Judge Rakoff: Hold one, don't speak over each other!

Defense: They're right, we rep only nine Defense: I don't have confirmation yet if we are representing Janice Combs herself - I hope to have an answer this week. Judge: This case is off to a very bad start. Less than half of the defendants have been served. Anyone not served will be dismissed sua sponte

Combs' lawyer: We intend to move to dismiss by June 23

Judge: Tell me the basis of the RICO enterprise cause of action Plaintiff's lawyer: There was a TV show

Judge Rakoff: What were the predicate acts? Plaintiff's lawyer: We have wire fraud, mail fraud...

Judge Rakoff: What was the role of Universal Music & Video Distribution? Plaintiff's lawyer: They were the vehicle through which the scheme was profitable Judge: They might be economically liable - but how are they RICO liable? Plaintiff's lawyer: Making the Band

Judge Rakoff: I feel I can rule on the June 23 motion by the end of August. What about staying discovery? Plaintiff's lawyer: I saw in the news that Mr. Combs is staying discovery in other civil cases

Plaintiff's lawyer: My concern is that they were going to seek to stay the proceedings in light of the criminal trial starting next week [Well, jury selection starting May 5]

Judge Rakoff: I stay all discovery until the end of August. So no plan needed today Judge Rakoff: But let me put the defense on notice - unless I dismiss all claims, which seems unlikely but you never know, discovery will have to be done by December, summary judgment decision by the end of January [2026] - and I'd try it late Feb or early March

Judge: Adjourned

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