In a startling development within the high-profile lawsuit involving Sean “Diddy” Combs, Jodeci member DeVante Swing has been officially removed from the case, which accused him of complicity in a 1990 rape allegation against a 16-year-old girl. The lawsuit, brought forth by Liza Gardner, has seen a significant turn of events as she filed a notice of voluntary dismissal regarding Swing, effectively dropping all charges against him—at least for now.
This dismissal, filed on January 15, 2025, allows for the possibility of re-filing the charges in the future, leaving the door open for further legal action. Gardner had claimed that Swing was present during the alleged assault and had failed to intervene. The amended lawsuit stated that Swing was in the room and described him as “leaning against the wall or furniture,” watching as Diddy allegedly assaulted Gardner.
The allegations against Diddy and another artist, Aaron Hall, detail a disturbing narrative in which Gardner accused them of taking turns raping her and a friend after they met at the MCA Records offices. The lawsuit accused Swing of failing in his duty to protect Gardner, having allegedly invited her on a trip to New York where the assault occurred. The claims include serious accusations of trafficking and coercion, suggesting that Swing took advantage of his role as her “co-guardian.”
Diddy has staunchly denied all allegations, labeling them as fabricated claims aimed at financial gain. His representatives described the accusations as a “money grab” from over three decades ago.
As the legal situation continues to unfold, the implications for both Diddy and Swing remain significant, with the potential for further developments in the case. This dismissal may provide temporary relief for Swing, but the shadows of these allegations linger, raising questions about accountability and the pursuit of justice in the music industry.
