Music mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs' defense team has moved to strike allegations from a sexual assault lawsuit that dates back to 1991.

On Friday, lawyers representing Combs submitted paperwork aiming to dismiss several accusations lodged against him by Joi Dickerson-Neal, claims that relate to alleged events from when she was a student at Syracuse University, as Fox News reports.

Dickerson-Neal's lawsuit, filed in November, accuses Combs of drugging, sexually assaulting, and abusing her during her time at the university. It also alleges that Combs filmed the incidents and later distributed the footage.

Challenges to Legal Foundations of the Case

The motion to dismiss highlights that the New York State Revenge Porn Law, which Dickerson-Neal references, only came into effect in December 2017 and thus cannot be applied retrospectively.

Additionally, the New York Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Law (VHTL), cited in the lawsuit, was enacted in November 2007, well after the alleged incidents occurred in 1991.

The defense argues these legal anachronisms undermine the validity of the claims. They assert that laws not in existence at the time of the alleged incidents cannot be retroactively enforced.

Broader Implications for Combs' Businesses

The lawsuit also names Combs' companies, including Bad Boy Entertainment group, Bad Boy Records, and Combs Enterprises, LLC, as co-defendants.

Documentation shows that Bad Boy Entertainment Holdings, Inc., was not founded until 1992, a year after the alleged abuse, with Combs Enterprises, LLC, following in November 2004.

This timeline raises questions about the legal accountability of these entities in relation to the accusations.

Federal Investigations and Other Legal Troubles

Recent developments have seen federal agents raid Combs' properties in Los Angeles and Miami. These raids, conducted by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) officials, are part of a broader federal human trafficking probe.

Combs’ attorney, Aaron Dyer, has publicly criticized these actions as excessive and indicative of a witch hunt, driven by unfounded allegations stemming from ongoing civil lawsuits.

"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," said Dyer.

Strong Defense Amidst Growing Accusations

Combs is also defending against other lawsuits, including accusations from Liza Gardner, Jane Doe, and music producer Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones. In all cases, Combs has consistently denied the allegations.

"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," Dyer further commented.

The representative for Dickerson-Neal maintains confidence in the strength and legality of their claims. "We are confident Ms. Dickerson-Neal's allegations against Combs are strong, credible and legally viable," they stated.

Conclusion: A Multifaceted Legal Challenge

In conclusion, the ongoing legal battle encapsulates a complex overlay of dated legal challenges, corporate accountability, and high-profile investigations.

While Combs' defense seeks dismissal based on historical legal grounds, federal actions and additional lawsuits complicate the narrative, making the resolution uncertain and closely watched.