DeVante Swing Removed from Lawsuit Alleging Sexual Assault by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs

Jodeci, pictured in a promotional photo from their 2024 Las Vegas residency. DeVante Swing (third from left) was recently dismissed without prejudice from a sexual assault lawsuit that also names Sean "Diddy" Combs.

DeVante Swing, a founding member of the iconic R&B group Jodeci, has been removed from a high profile sexual assault lawsuit that also names music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs and others. The lawsuit was filed in October 2024 by Liza Gardner, who alleged that Combs assaulted her when she was 16. Swing had been accused of facilitating the situation leading to the alleged abuse.

In a legal filing submitted by Gardner’s attorney, Tyrone A. Blackburn, she announced her decision to “voluntarily dismiss all claims” against Swing without prejudice. The dismissal means Gardner retains the right to refile accusations against Swing in the future.

The lawsuit alleged that Swing acted as Gardner’s “co-guardian” at the time of the alleged assault and contributed to the situation by allegedly trafficking her across state lines, supplying her with drugs and alcohol, and “prostituting” her to Combs. According to Gardner, Swing was present during the alleged assault and failed to intervene. A witness statement included in the filing described Swing as “leaning against the wall or furniture or something, watching whatever Puffy was doing to Liza.”

While the dismissal is a notable development for Swing, it does not equate to exoneration, as the claims could be refiled.

Sean Combs, through his legal team, has denied the allegations, calling them “fabricated claims falsely alleging misconduct from over 30 years ago.” A representative for Combs described the lawsuit as a “money grab,” stating, “Because of Mr. Combs’ fame and success, he is an easy target for anonymous accusers who lie without conscience or consequence for financial benefit.”

The lawsuit remains active against other defendants, including singer Aaron Hall, who is accused of assaulting Gardner during the same incident.

This case has reignited scrutiny of the music industry’s treatment of young women during the 1990s and has drawn attention to allegations of abuse by high-profile figures in the industry.