(Alliance News) - Diageo PLC on Tuesday said it has agreed to resolve all disputes with US rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs, who accused the spirits maker of racism last year.

Combs has withdrawn all of his allegations about Diageo and will voluntarily dismiss his lawsuits against Diageo with prejudice.

At the end of June, Diageo confirmed it was ending its relationship with Combs, after Combs began legal action against the firm. He accused Diageo of neglecting their business agreement and failing to invest in his liquor brands because he is black.

Combs said Diageo "kneecapped" his Ciroc Vodka and DeLeon Tequila brands by depriving them of resources after they were "typecasted" as "black brands" meant only for "urban" consumers.

Combs Wines and Spirits said its drinks brands had been "starved" of production, distribution and sales resources compared with others, such as Casamigos tequila, which Diageo bought from George Clooney in 2017.

Diageo and its executives "put their feet on the neck of Mr Combs' brands," the suit said. Diageo denied all allegations.

On Tuesday, Diageo confirmed it has no ongoing relationship with Combs, either with respect to Ciroc vodka or DeLeon tequila, which Diageo now solely owns.

Shares in Diageo were down 0.3% to 2,796.50 pence each in London on Tuesday afternoon.

By Greg Rosenvinge, Alliance News senior reporter

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