Sean “Diddy” Combs has been ordered to pay NBCUniversal approximately $477,700 in legal fees after losing his defamation lawsuit against the media company over a documentary about his life and career.
The ruling adds another financial challenge for the music mogul, who filed a $100 million lawsuit in 2025 over the Peacock documentary Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy. A New York judge dismissed the case earlier this year before ruling that Combs must reimburse the defendants for part of their legal expenses.
According to court documents reported by RTTNews and other media outlets, NBCUniversal had initially sought approximately $990,000 in legal fees. The judge reduced that request by more than $512,000, ultimately awarding $477,700.50.
Why Did Diddy Sue NBCUniversal?
Combs filed the lawsuit against NBCUniversal, Peacock and affiliated parties over the 2025 documentary, which examined his personal life, career and controversies.
In his complaint, Combs alleged that the production presented false and defamatory claims about him. He also objected to material connecting him to speculation surrounding the deaths of rapper The Notorious B.I.G. and Kim Porter, his former partner.
Combs sought $100 million in damages, arguing that the documentary had harmed his reputation through statements he considered false.
The defendants challenged the lawsuit, and a New York judge ultimately dismissed it. The court’s decision meant Combs could not proceed with his claims in that case as filed.
Judge Awards Nearly $478,000 in Legal Fees
Following the dismissal, NBCUniversal sought reimbursement for the legal costs it incurred defending itself against the lawsuit.
The company initially requested approximately $990,292. However, Judge Phaedra F. Perry-Bond reduced the amount by more than half, determining that portions of the requested fees were excessive while allowing reimbursement for the remaining approved costs.
The resulting award requires Combs to pay $477,700.50.
The decision concerns legal fees associated with the dismissed civil lawsuit. It is separate from Combs’ criminal case and does not represent an additional prison sentence.
Combs’ Legal Team Responds to the Fee Dispute
Combs’ representative has criticized the original legal-fee request, arguing that the judge’s reduction demonstrated that NBCUniversal had sought an excessive amount.
The award nevertheless leaves Combs responsible for a substantial payment to the defendants.
Combs has also reportedly pursued an appeal related to the dismissal of his defamation claims. The future of that effort remains a separate issue from the court’s decision on legal fees.
Diddy Continues Serving His Prison Sentence
Combs is currently serving a 50-month federal prison sentence following his conviction on prostitution-related transportation charges. He has continued to challenge aspects of his criminal case through the legal process.
The civil lawsuit against NBCUniversal arose from a different dispute: whether the documentary’s content constituted defamation. The dismissal and subsequent fee award relate to that separate case.
The latest ruling places another financial obligation on the music mogul as his legal challenges continue.
For now, Combs has been ordered to pay nearly $478,000 in legal fees, significantly less than the amount NBCUniversal originally requested but still a substantial sum.
Source: RTTNews, October 9, 2026, with additional reporting from PEOPLE and Rolling Stone.