Diddy, the name of drinks giant Diageo, has accused the rapper of breaking the terms of their business partnership and not keeping the tequila brand they bought together because he is black.
This is a business dispute, and we are saddened that Mr Combs has chosen to recast this matter as anything other than that, a spokesman for Combs said in a statement.
Our commitment to diversity within our company and the communities we serve is a key part of our commitment to diversity, which is reflected in our unwavering commitment to diversity. The lawsuit stems from years of collaboration between Diageo and Mr Combs, who rose to fame as a music executive and rapper in the 1990s before departing into acting and other business ventures.
This case is not an ordinary contract dispute in which a party chooses to ignore its contractual promises due to greed and profit, the firm said in a statement.
In contrast, Diageo's treatment of its business relationship with Mr Combs was tainted by racial prejudices. The suit cites a conversation in which a Diageo executive allegedly said the company's brands would be more widespread had he been Martha Stewart, among other decisions.
The DeLeon brand is currently sold in less than 4% of possible outlets, compared with more than a third for Diageo's competing Casamigos and Don Julio tequilas.
The company said it was disappointed our efforts to resolve this business dispute amicably have been ignored and that Mr. Combs has chosen to damage a productive and valued partnership for all involved.