Drinks

Guinness-owner Diageo ends deals with ‘Diddy’ Combs after racism claims

A spokeswoman for Diageo said ‘Mr Combs’s bad-faith actions have clearly breached his contracts and left us no choice’

Sean “Diddy” Combs claims Diageo typecast his products as “black brands”. PIcture Getty Images

Guinness-owner Diageo has confirmed it is ending its relationship with Sean “Diddy” Combs, after the US rapper launched legal action against the UK-based firm and accused it of racism.

The drinks giant, which also owns brands such as Smirnoff and Tanqueray, announced the move in a court filing in the US on Tuesday.

Last month Combs’s business began legal action claiming that the DeLeon tequila brand co-owned by the two groups, and Ciroc vodka brand, ...