Since late 2023, Diddy has been sued multiple times for alleged sexual assault. The first major lawsuit came from Cassie, the singer and his ex-girlfriend, who accused Diddy of physical and sexual assault. That lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed, with Didi's attorney saying, “Mr. Combs' decision to settle the lawsuit in no way undermines his categorical denial of the claims.” Months later, CNN released hotel surveillance footage that captured Diddy punching, dragging and physically assaulting Cassie in 2016. Diddy posted an apology video without mentioning her by name, and Cassie thanked people for their support in a rare public statement, saying: “My only question is that EVERYONE open your heart to faithful victims the first time. It takes a lot of heart to tell the truth in a situation where you were powerless.”
Several other people have since come forward to sue Diddy. Last November, Joi Dickerson-Neal accused the producer of assault, battery, sex trafficking and more, while Liza Gardner claimed Diddy and R&B singer Aaron Hall sexually assaulted her and a friend in the early 1990s. The following month, a Jane Doe alleged that Diddy, former Bad Boy Entertainment president Harve Pierre, and an unnamed third party “sexually trafficked and gang-raped” her in 2003 when she was a 17-year-old high school student. In February, music producer Rodney Jones Jr. said Diddy sexually assaulted and groomed him, among other allegations. Former model Crystal McKinney also sued Diddy in May for sexual assault, as did April Lampros, who claimed Diddy sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions in the 1990s.
Several more lawsuits were filed against Didi this summer. In July, Adria English, a former adult film star, accused him of sex trafficking, sexual assault and other allegations. The Englishman claims Diddy hired her to work as a “go-go dancer” at a party in 2004, before hiring her again at drug-fueled parties where she was forced to have sex with guests. Last week, Dawn Richard also sued Diddy for sexual assault, battery, sex trafficking, molestation and copyright infringement dating back to the early 2000s during the reality show. Making the Band and until 2011, two years after Danity Kane broke up. According to the lawsuit, Richard also saw Diddy abuse Cassie and other women.
Diddy has repeatedly denied all allegations of sexual assault. “Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things they claim. I will fight for my name, my family and the truth,” the rapper and mogul said in December 2023. However, he pleaded guilty to physically assaulting Cassie in March 2016 after CNN released footage of the specific incident. “My behavior in this video is inexcusable,” he said. “I take full responsibility for my actions in this video.” Didi also stepped down as chairman of Revolt, which he co-founded in 2013, and sold his remaining stake in the media company.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to reach out for support:
National Sexual Assault Helpline RAINN
http://rainn.org
1 800 656 HOPE (4673)
Judgment text line
SMS: Text “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741
from our partners at https://pitchfork.com/news/sean-diddy-combs-arrested-in-new-york-after-being-indicted-by-federal-grand-jury
