Diageo, one of many world leaders within the grownup drinks house, discovered itself locked right into a authorized battle with Sean “Diddy” Combs concerning enterprise dealings linked to vodka and tequila manufacturers. In accordance with a brand new report, exercise linked to the lawsuit filed by Combs can be moved to subsequent yr as either side proceed to state their respective claims.
As seen on Digital Music Information, Diageo, which owns in style manufacturers Johnnie Walker, Guinness, and Casamigos, was granted a keep this previous Tuesday (November 14) by a panel of judges overseeing the matter. In his lawsuit, Diddy is alleging that the beverage firm gave much less consideration to his Cîroc Vodka and DeLeón Tequila manufacturers due to his race.
In accordance with Combs’ authorized group, their facet believes the granted keep is a tactic to delay dealing with as much as the allegations in a court docket of legislation.
“As soon as the appellate court docket considers the precise deserves, we’re assured that they’ll attain the identical conclusion as two separate judges already: that Diageo can’t keep away from a public trial,” Diddy’s lawyer, John Hurston, stated in a press release.
The lawsuit was first enacted in Might of this yr with Combs stating that Diageo didn’t decide to its plans for range and inclusion and placing the manufacturers that he helmed on the again burner as a result of he’s Black.
In response to Combs’ claims, a spokesperson for the corporate wrote, “It is a enterprise dispute, and we’re saddened that Mr. Combs has chosen to recast this matter as something aside from that. Our steadfast dedication to range inside our firm and the communities we serve is one thing we take very significantly. We categorically deny the allegations which were made and can vigorously defend ourselves within the applicable discussion board.”
The corporate severed ties with Combs after submitting its personal countersuit which Diddy hit again with once more with one other lawsuit alleging that the countersuit from Diageo was “unlawful retaliation.”
Combs owns and operates Combs World, which oversees the mogul’s enterprise pursuits together with his wine and spirits portfolio.
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Photograph: Getty