AceShowbiz - P. Diddy tasted a small victory amid a plethora of lawsuits. In a recent ruling, U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken dismissed the civil racketeering and breach of contract claims against Sean "Diddy" Combs brought by his former music producer, Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones.

Despite this, significant portions of the sprawling lawsuit remain active, meaning the case will now proceed in a more streamlined form.

Judge Oetken's 31-page opinion clarified that Jones failed to demonstrate the necessary injury to his "business or property" as required under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

Specifically, the judge noted that Jones' claim about non-payment for his services on Diddy's "Love Album" lacked a "causal connection" with any alleged racketeering activity.

"[Rapper's] alleged refusal to honor the contract with Jones is not itself a RICO predicate act, even if the contract breach resulted from Jones's refusal to participate in Combs's alleged racketeering scheme," wrote Judge Oetken.

Moreover, the judge dismissed Jones' breach of contract claim, citing New York law that any contract unenforceable within one year must be in writing. Three claims of emotional distress filed by Jones were also dismissed as legally deficient.

Yet, the judge ruled that more serious claims against Diddy and his chief of staff, Kristina Khorram, can proceed. Additionally, sexual assault and premises liability claims against Diddy were upheld although the s*x trafficking claim against Diddy's company, Combs Global, was dismissed.

Jones' lawyer, Tyrone Blackburn, hailed the ruling as a victory, saying, "A win is a win. The case is still alive. Diddy and Khorram better prepare for deposition." Representatives for Diddy and Khorram have not yet commented.

Diddy has consistently denied any wrongdoing. His lawyers firmly stated, "No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won't change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or s*x-trafficked anyone."

Khorram has also issued blanket denials, expressing that false accusations are causing irreparable damage to her reputation and emotional well-being.

In his ruling, Judge Oetken found that Jones met the requirements for claiming violations of state and s*x trafficking laws. The judge's summary mentions Diddy allegedly transporting Jones across state and international borders, using both promises of economic benefits and threats of physical harm to secure compliance.

Currently, Diddy faces serious charges, including s*x trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and transportation to engage in prostitution, with a potential sentence of 15 years to life in prison if convicted. His trial is set for May 5, amidst a barrage of lawsuits following a high-profile sexual assault lawsuit by his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra "Cassie" Ventura, in 2023.