Prince Harry was linked to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ alleged sex-trafficking parties based on an outdated court filing that has since been amended.
The Duke of Sussex was not accused of wrongdoing, and there is no evidence to suggest he knew about the allegations against the rapper or attended any alleged sex-trafficking parties.
Harry was referenced in a lawsuit filed in New York by music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones against Combs and other defendants.
A court filing was posted on social media, and screenshots of an extract were published by many British news outlets.
However, the circulated filing was from Jones’ original complaint, which was later changed, and the amended version removed a key phrase.
The first complaint, seen by Newsweek, said: “Mr. Combs was known for throwing the ‘best’ parties. Affiliation with, and or sponsorship of Mr. Combs sex-trafficking parties garnered legitimacy and access to celebrities such as famous athletes, political figures, artist, musicians, and international dignitaries like British Royal, Prince Harry.”
The amended complaint, also seen by Newsweek, removed the reference to sex-trafficking parties: “Mr. Combs was known for throwing the ‘best’ parties. Affiliation with and/or general business partnerships with Mr. Combs garnered legitimacy, immense success, and access to top and emerging artists, celebrities, famous athletes, political figures, musicians, and international dignitaries like British Royal and Prince Harry.”
While Harry and Combs were photographed together in 2007, after Combs performed at a concert in memory of Princess Diana, the court filing did not support any suggestion that Combs was in a position to offer access to Harry, or that he purported to be.
However, it may be significant that Jones’ lawyers removed the reference to “sponsorship of Mr. Combs sex-trafficking parties” being linked to access, as it puts distance between Harry and the serious allegations against the musician.
Jones’ attorneys also voluntarily removed two defendants from the case, while proceeding with a number of others, including Combs.
Among a host of allegations, the lawsuit suggests Jones witnessed “Mr. Combs providing laced alcoholic beverages to minors (LA home July 2023) and sex workers at his homes in California, the U. S. Virgin Islands, Florida, and Saint Barthélemy.” Newsweek contacted Combs for comment by email.
The filing said: “Mr. Combs required Mr. Jones to record him constantly. On several occasions, Mr. Combs took Mr. Jones’s cell phone and began recording himself.
“As a result, Mr. Jones has secured HUNDREDS of hours of footage and audio recordings of Mr. Combs, his staff, and his guests engaging in serious illegal activity.”
The filing detailed shootings and drug use alongside the allegations of sex trafficking.
Combs’ properties were raided by Homeland Security on March 25 following months of allegations against the musician.
Aaron Dyer, Combs’ attorney, said in a statement released to Newsweek: “There was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences.
“There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated.
“Mr. Combs was never detained, but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested, nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way.
“This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits.
“There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”
