Maui Police chief John Pelletier continues working as chief after the Maui Police Commission declined to take action after reviewing available information about a civil lawsuit. To his left is his private attorney Keola Whittaker. The Maui News/Gary Kubota

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said there was not any personal dispute between him and Police Chief John Pelletier when he recommended Pelletier take a leave of absence pending a civil lawsuit naming the police chief as a co-defendant.

“Despite attempts to frame this as a personal dispute between the chief and the mayor, the recommendation was a standard procedural step, aligned with established precedent within this administration and always taken with the community’s best interest in mind,” Bissen said in a statement issued Wednesday.

The suit was filed by attorneys representing Ashley Parham and two unnamed plaintiffs, and names Diddy as a defendant alongside NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and comedian Drew Desbordes, or “Druski,” in an alleged rape in Orinda, California.

The lawsuit names Pelletier as a co-defendant. According to the lawsuit, he was not involved in the raped itself but was allegedly was involved in a coverup.

Pelletier has reiterated the accusations against him are entirely without merit and produced documents contradicting the allegations.

Based on testimonies and available documents, the Maui Police Commission voted on Wednesday not to take any action against Pelletier and allow him to continue his work as the police chief.

In the statement, Bissen said that while he respects the commissioners’ right to disagree, he stands by his support for requesting a leave of absence in such cases — “not as an admission of guilt, but as a necessary step to protect the department’s reputation, effectiveness and public trust.”

Mayor Bissen added that the situation has placed a significant burden not only on the chief but on the department as a whole.

“Given the seriousness of these allegations, the administration has consistently maintained that this matter must be addressed through an impartial investigation or legal process — not media speculation,” Bissen said in the statement. “We appreciate the commission’s support of an independent review while counsel seeks to remove Chief Pelletier’s name from the case, as this approach is essential to maintaining public confidence while upholding the Chief’s right to a fair defense. We are encouraged that Chief Pelletier has retained legal counsel and is following the proper legal channels to resolve this matter.”

On Thursday, Chief Pelletier’s staff said the chief will not be doing interviews and referred to a statement he made Wednesday thanking the commissioners for their support and their decision not to place him on leave.

“I appreciate their thoughtful consideration of the documented evidence my lawyer submitted on March 17, 2025, which clearly established my whereabouts and demonstrated the falsity of these claims,” he said.

“I am also deeply grateful for the overwhelming support from my family, colleagues, and the community during this difficult time,” he added. “Your encouragement and belief in my integrity have been truly humbling.”

Pelletier said he remains fully committed to leading the Maui Police Department with honor and integrity.

“I look forward to getting back to work and focusing on what truly matters — ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Maui,” he said.