In a New York courtroom submitting this week by Combs’ legal professionals, the rapper and his representatives are looking for “billions of {dollars} in damages on account of Diageo’s neglect and breaches”.
“In public, Diageo – a multi-billion greenback, publicly-traded spirits firm – proclaims itself a frontrunner in variety and inclusion,” the submitting started. “Unwilling to deal with its Black companions equally – even when explicitly required by contract to take action”.
Combs has labored with Diageo for a number of years, most prominently representing Ciroc vodka earlier than agreeing a 50/50 deal to purchase tequila model DeLeon in 2014.
The submitting additionally stated: “Reasonably than equal therapy, Diageo has handled Mr Combs and his manufacturers worse than others as a result of he’s Black. Diageo has typecast Ciroc and DeLeon, apparently deciding they’re ‘Black manufacturers’ that must be focused solely to ‘city’ shoppers.
“He [Diageo’s president of reserve and new business Stephen Rust] additionally admitted that Mr Combs’ race was a part of the rationale Diageo restricted the neighbourhoods the place the Combs manufacturers have been distributed. If Mr Combs have been ‘Martha Stewart’, Mr Rust stated, issues could be completely different.”
In a press release, a Diageo spokesperson stated: “It is a enterprise dispute, and we’re saddened that Mr Combs has chosen to recast this matter as something apart from that.
“Our steadfast dedication to variety inside our firm and the communities we serve is one thing we take very critically. We categorically deny the allegations which were made and can vigorously defend ourselves within the applicable discussion board.”
