Trigger warning: This article contains references to sexual assault, racketeering, sex trafficking, and more.
Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones is speaking out for the first time since filing a lawsuit against Sean “Diddy” Combs in February. In an interview with Rolling Stone published on Tuesday, August 27, Jones detailed what led to his $30 million racketeering, trafficking, and sexual assault lawsuit against the music legend, with whom he worked between 2022 and 2023.
Musician and producer Jones called Combs a “monster” and revealed he has been in hiding since filing the suit because he’s worried about his safety. Despite the paranoia, Jones, who has appeared in the public eye on several occasions, including a Juneteenth celebration featuring T-Pain, said he had “some mental breakdowns” while doing the show at the Hollywood Bowl. “I almost felt like it was too early for me to get back to work. My anxiety was through the roof,” he told the aforementioned publication.
Jones said he thought someone was going to attack him when he saw people backstage at the venue. “I have three paramedics,” he said.
Referencing Diddy’s viral Cassie Ventura attack video, Jones said, “This is what I’m dealing with.”
Rolling Stone reports that Diddy’s team directed them to a statement from his lawyer on Monday when asked for comment. The rapper’s team filed a motion to dismiss Jones’ lawsuit in New York federal court yesterday.
Also read: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs seeks dismissal of $30 million lawsuit filed against him by Rodney ‘Lil Rod’ Jones; calls his claims ‘false stories’ and ‘outright lies’
Erica Wolfe said, “Mr. Jones’ lawsuit is complete fiction – a shameless attempt to create a media sensation and secure a quick settlement. There was no RICO conspiracy, and Mr. Jones was not threatened, seduced, assaulted or trafficked. We look forward to proving in court that all of Mr. Jones’ claims are false and must be dismissed.”
According to Jones, he met Combs at a recording studio writing camp. The two began working together on the Bad Boy Records owner’s The Love Album in September 2022, and Jones is credited as a producer on six songs on the record.
Combs is facing multiple other lawsuits in addition to Jones’, as well as reports of federal investigations for alleged sex trafficking and sexual assault. The rapper, who has not yet been charged with any alleged wrongdoing, denied all allegations against him in December.
If you need help or know someone who is going through domestic violence or assault or abuse, please reach out to your nearest mental health professional, NGO or talk to someone. There are many helplines available for this.
Also read: ‘Not my experience’: Sean Diddy Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Yung Miami opens up about dating the music legend amid legal issues
