Overview
- New York Supreme Court Judge Phaedra F. Perry-Bond threw out Sean “Diddy” Combs’ case against NBCUniversal, Peacock and producer Ample, finding the Peacock film did not defame him.
- The judge applied New York’s libel-proof doctrine, saying his reputation was already damaged by lawsuits, a domestic violence video, press coverage and a criminal indictment before the film.
- The court also found no gross irresponsibility, noting the documentary disclosed interviewee biases, included coroner reports on disputed deaths, and aired denials from Combs’ attorneys.
- Combs had claimed the 2025 film “Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy” pushed conspiracy theories tying him to murders and sexual crimes and sought $100 million for alleged reputational and financial harm.
- NBCUniversal lawyer Ted Boutrous called the decision a protection for filmmakers, Combs remains in federal prison on a 50-month Mann Act sentence while he appeals, and he could still challenge this civil ruling.