Diageo Cuts Ties With DiddyThe decision follows a lawsuit filed by Diddy which alleged that the spirits giant did not market his liquor brands as promised due to being "Black brands."

ByEmily RellaOriginally published

Getty Images
Sean

Update 6/28:Diageo North America has officially cut ties with Diddy after the rapper filed a contentious lawsuit accusing the beverage giant of being "unwilling to treat its Black partners equally" for not advertising his liquor brands, Cîroc vodka and DeLeón tequila, with equal effort or resources as other brands in the company's portfolio.

“帝亚吉欧是极度失望,肖恩·库姆斯, an entertainer and entrepreneur who has amassed nearly one billion dollars from a fifteen-year relationship with Diageo, has caused this bad faith, sham action to be improperly brought before this Court," a Manhattan federal courtfiling read.

Original story below.

Sean "Diddy" Combs' entrepreneurial efforts and business ventures are vast, from Sean John apparel to Bad Boy Records. But his foray into the food and spirits industry with a multi-year investment deal in vodka brand Ciroq and tequila brand DeLeon has hit a snag — the mogul is suing the labels' parent company for not investing in the products as promised.

Related:Diddy Still Pays Sting $5,000 A Day For Using His Song Without Permission, 26 Years Later

Diddyfiled a lawsuitin New York's Supreme Court alleging spirits behemoth Diageo North America failed to allocate as many marketing resources to his brands as it did other celebrity brands, accusing leadership at the company of "kneecapping" growth of Ciroc and DeLeon because they were viewed as "黑brands."

Combs also claims Diageo leadership told him the company was not mass distributing to "urban neighborhoods" and that if he was "Martha Stewart", who'sreportedlya big fan of Belvedere and Zubrowka vodkas, Ciroc and DeLeon would be "more widespread."

"Cloaking itself in the language of diversity and equality is good for Diageo's business, but it is a lie," the lawsuit states, perAP. "While Diageo may conspicuously include images of its Black partners in advertising materials and press releases, its words only provide the illusion of inclusion."

Combs' business with Diageo began in 2007 whenhe signeda 50/50 multi-year deal with the spirits company that was expected to bring the mogul over $100 million if it performed up to expectations.

He penned a similar 50/50 deal with Diageo and DeLeon in 2014.

Diageo North America is denying Combs' allegations.

"This is a business dispute, and we are saddened that Mr. Combs has chosen to recast this matter as anything other than that," Diageo said in astatement. "While we respect Mr. Combs as an artist and entrepreneur, his allegations lack merit, and we are confident the facts will show that he has been treated fairly."

Diddy'snet worthis an estimated $900 million.

Emily Rella

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business News

'I'll Gladly Cancel': Customers Livid as Netflix Is Reportedly Increasing Subscription Prices—Again

The Wall Street Journal reported that price hikes are set to roll out following the actors' strike.

Business News

These 11 Retailers Are Most Likely to File For Bankruptcy in 2023, According to a New Report

Several well-known retailers already filed for bankruptcy in 2023 — now, a new report is highlighting the retailers most likely to follow suit.

Business News

Man Unexpectedly Wins $4 Million Lottery — On a Ticket He Almost Didn't Buy

A Michigan resident stumbled upon a life-changing $4 million lottery jackpot when his preferred game was unavailable.

Growing a Business

This Ancient Ritual Is Key to How I Run a Company of 500 People. Harvard Research Shows Why.

Rituals are underrated ways to keep people connected.

Business News

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Says AI 'Is Real' and Will Eliminate the 5-Day Work Week. Here's How His Company's Going All In.

The financial services firm advertised for thousands of AI-related roles earlier this year.

Growing a Business

Nail That Sale — Top 10 One-Liners to Go From Salesperson to Trusted Advisee

To win the sale, you sometimes have to take off your sales hat and think differently.