In the 90s, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs left his mark as a rapper and producer, but it was his fashion brand, Sean John, this made him a businessman. Fast forward to 2021, Combs has sued the brand for $60 million for continuing to use his name. Now, AllHipHop Reports that he recently dropped the lawsuit.
The Rise of Sean John
According to Fox Business and GQ, Sean John started out as a “cubicle” at Bad Boy Records in 1998. His first products were samples used by celebrities like Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes on tour. In 2021, the brand participated in iconic fashion moments, such as New York Fashion Week. Two years later, it secured a reported investment of $100 million.
Then, in 2004, Diddy became the first black man to win the menswear category of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awards. Eighteen years later, in 2016, Sean John was making about $450 million in annual retail sales, according to Women’s Wear Daily.
What Led to Diddy’s Lawsuit Against His Fashion Moneymaker
Fox Business reports that Diddy sold 90 percent of his stake in Sean John to Global Brands in 2016. Although the goal was to reach the millennial customer base, things turned sour between the founder and the new owner in 2021.
That same year, he sued Global Brands for continuing to use his “Vote or Die” slogan. In his eyes, it was not only a copyright infringement, but it also suggested that he was still directing Sean John. Furthermore, he claimed that the company was wasting its image and personnel without consent for marketing purposes.
That same year, the new owner filed for bankruptcy due to declining sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Combs wasted no time buying the company back after winning a $7.5 million bid.
Here’s Why Sean Dropped His Lawsuit and What’s Next
AllHipHop reports that Diddy voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit after reaching a settlement with GBG Sean John LLC and GBG USA Inc. On June 21, all claims and counterclaims were dropped in New York City.
It’s unclear what’s next for the brand, especially given the back-to-back hits Combs’ rep has endured since November 2023. At the time, his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura accused him of graphic incidents of sexual assault, abuse and trafficking into one bombshell lawsuit.
He sat down within a day, still denying the claims. However, since then, several other women and a former male employee sued the hip hop mogul for similar, disturbing acts.
Resurfaced hotel footage of him putting his hands on Cassie in a hotel hallway in 2016 gave credence not only to her claims, but also other pending lawsuits.
RELATED: Cassie breaks silence for the first time after viral footage of Diddy assaulting her in 2016
Macy’s, which Sean John partnered with in 2010, began discontinuing the fashion brand last fall. It’s now nearly impossible to secure items from the iconic streetwear brand.
As for its founder, he recently sparked controversy on social media after clearing his Instagram page of all posts, including his anonymous apology for the hotel hallway attack.
RELATED: Are you going to be a ghost? Diddy deletes content from Instagram, leaving no sign of his apology video
What do you think, roommates?