Diddy Sues Spirit Giant, Diageo, For Allegedly Sabotaging His DeLeón Tequila
Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed a lawsuit against the largest spirits manufacturer in the world, Diageo, and its Chief Executive Officer, Ivan Menezes, for purportedly “neglecting” and “sabotaging” his DeLeón tequila brand, saying the company creates “the illusion of inclusion,” when it comes to black brands and partners.
The lawsuit asserts that Diageo failed to achieve the brand’s sales goals and did not provide sufficient marketing support.
DeLeón tequila was introduced in 2014 in collaboration with Diageo, but Combs claims that Diageo did not fulfil its contractual obligations.
The lawsuit claims Diageo “systematically underreported” DeLeón’s sales and “failed to provide the necessary marketing and promotional support” for the brand. The spirits giant, Diageo, has also allegedly deemed that Diddy’s brands are only for urban consumers and limited their availability in the markets.
Combs Wines and Spirits LLC filed the lawsuit in the state Supreme Court of New York. The mogul is seeking “injunctive relief; (2) judgement in favour of Combs Wines on its claim; (3) available costs; (4) available fees; and (5) all other relief as this Court finds appropriate.”
Combs has been a significant player in the alcoholic beverage industry, and his Cîroc vodka brand has been a tremendous success.
He has also participated in other endeavours, including the purchase of a stake in the prestige tequila brand DeLeón.
Combs has been embroiled in a number of high-profile lawsuits over the years, with the lawsuit against Diageo being his most recent.
In 2017, he reached a settlement with a former chef who claimed she was sexually harassed and wrongfully terminated.
