Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing numerous sexual assault allegations.
The rapper first made headlines in November 2023 when his ex Cassie filed a bombshell lawsuit accusing the music mogul of raping and sex-trafficking her over a 10-year period. .
In a complaint filed against Ms. Combs in New York, she alleged that she was trapped in a 10-year “cycle of abuse, violence, and sex trafficking.” That included a 2018 rape and multiple incidents of domestic violence after she tried to break up with him.
The case was resolved the following day to the “mutual satisfaction” of both parties, but more people have since come forward, some alleging abuse, sex trafficking and gang rape against Diddy.
On December 6th, Diddy spoke out about the allegations. “Fuck me. For the past few weeks, I have sat silently and watched as people assassinated my character and attempted to destroy my reputation and legacy,” he said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. I mentioned it inside. “Nasty allegations have been made against me by people looking for a quick paycheck.”
In March 2024, his property was searched by federal agents, and a representative from Homeland Security Investigations told the public that this was “part of an ongoing investigation.”
Here's everything you need to know about Diddy's sexual assault accusations and the timeline of the lawsuit.
November 16, 2023: Diddy's ex Cassie accuses Diddy of rape, sex trafficking and domestic violence in lawsuit
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On November 16, singer Cassie filed a lawsuit in New York against Diddy, with whom she dated on and off from 2007 to 2018. In her complaint, she accused Diddy of raping and abusing her over a 10-year period. long relationship. Cassie (her real name Cassandra Ventura) claimed that over dinner in September 2018, when she decided to end their relationship for good, Diddy broke into her home and raped her.
Combs' attorney, Ben Brafman, denied the charges in a statement to PEOPLE, calling them “offensive and outrageous.”
“Mr. Combs vehemently denies these disgusting and outrageous allegations. Mr. Ventura's demand for $30 million, which threatened to write a damaging book about their relationship, is unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. ” Brafman said. “Despite retracting his initial threat, Mr. Ventura is now filing a lawsuit full of baseless, outrageous lies to damage Mr. Combs' reputation and seek a payday.”
In response, Douglas Wigdor, Ventura's attorney, said in a statement: Mr. Combs offered Mr. Ventura an eight-figure sum to silence him and prevent him from filing the lawsuit. She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all women who suffer in silence. Mr. Ventura should be commended for his courage. ”
November 17, 2023: Diddy and Cassie settle lawsuit.
A day after Ventura filed the lawsuit, Diddy and the singer announced that they had resolved the allegations in the lawsuit “to both parties' satisfaction.” The parties added that no further details about the terms of the agreement would be made public.
“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably, provided that I have some control,” Ventura said in a statement. “I would like to thank my family, fans, and attorneys for their unwavering support.”
Combs added, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. We wish Kathy and her family the best.”
Combs' attorney, Ben Brafman, clarified his client's position on the matter to PEOPLE in a statement: “As a reminder, the decision to resolve the case in 2023, in particular, It is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. “Mr. Combs' decision to settle the case in no way detracts from his categorical denial of the allegations. He acknowledges that the parties have reached a settlement. We are pleased and wish Mr. Ventura all the best.”
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November 23, 2023: Diddy accused of sexual assault by another woman
Days after settling his lawsuit with Kathy, Diddy was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, a woman named Joy Dickerson-Neal accused Diddy of drugging and raping her in 1991 while they were students at Syracuse University. Dickerson-Neal's attorney claims she was the victim of “revenge porn.” After the music mogul allegedly recorded the incident and shared the tape with others in the music industry.
At the time of the filing, which came just before the New York Adult Survivors Act window closed, Ms. Diddy denied the charges, claiming that Dickerson-Neal had fabricated the story. “This last-minute lawsuit is an example of how well-intentioned laws can be overturned. Ms. Dickerson's story, 32, is a fabrication and has no credibility. Mr. Combs assaulted her. “She never did, and she claims she was involved with a company that doesn't exist. This is purely a money grab and nothing more,” a spokesperson for the rapper said in a statement to PEOPLE.
November 23, 2023: Diddy faces third sexual assault lawsuit
On the same day, Diddy was accused by a third woman of sexual assault, according to a lawsuit filed in New York County Supreme Court. In a lawsuit obtained by People, Jane Doe claims that Diddy and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall took turns raping her and her friend in New York City more than 30 years ago.
“These are fabricated claims filed at the last minute, falsely alleging wrongdoing from more than 30 years ago. This is nothing more than a money grab. Mr. Combs' fame and success has made him unconscionable. “He has become an easy target for anonymous whistleblowers who lie without regard for financial gain,” a spokesperson for Combs said in a statement to PEOPLE.
The spokesperson added: “The New York State Legislature certainly did not intend or anticipate that the Adult Survivors Act would be exploited by fraudsters. The public should be skeptical and these “We should not be in a hurry to accept false allegations,” he added.
PEOPLE attempted to reach Hall for comment but could not reach him.
November 28, 2023: Didi temporarily steps down as Rebellion Chairman.
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Shortly after, Revolt, the Hop Hop television network that Diddy co-founded, released a statement on social media announcing that Diddy was stepping down as chairman of the network. A representative for the rapper tells PEOPLE that the move is only temporary.
The network said in a statement: “Sean Combs has stepped down as chairman of Revolt. Mr. Combs has previously held no operational or day-to-day role in the business, and this decision ensures the continued existence of Revolt. “It will help you do that.” We were resolutely focused on our mission to create content that is meaningful to the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people across this country and the African diaspora. ”
The statement continued, “Our focus will always reflect our commitment to Revolt's collective journey, which is not driven by individuals, but instead elevates and champions our It's driven by a shared effort and values across the team, and that continues to be the case.''
December 6, 2023: Diddy charged with sex trafficking and gang rape by fourth woman
In early December, Diddy was accused of sexual assault by a fourth victim. In a lawsuit filed in New York, a woman named Jane Doe alleges Diddy, former Bad Boy Entertainment president Harve Pierre, and a third person named the “third assailant” were raped by a 17-year-old. He was accused of sex trafficking and gang rape.
In a filing obtained by PEOPLE, Jane Doe claims Pierre approached her in a lounge in Michigan and convinced her to take him and a third assailant to Combs' recording studio in New York City on a private jet. claimed to have done so. According to her complaint, she was given drugs and alcohol upon arrival, and she alleges that she was then subjected to a “vicious gang rape.”
Pierre has not yet responded to PEOPLE's request for comment on either allegation.
December 6, 2023: Diddy speaks out about sexual assault allegations
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The same day, Diddy denied recent allegations against him in a statement to PEOPLE. “Come on, come on. For the last few weeks, I've been sitting in silence watching people assassinate my person and try to destroy my reputation and legacy,” he said.
“There are disgusting allegations being made against me by people looking for a quick paycheck. To be clear, I have not done anything as egregious as is being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and my society,” the tycoon added. truth. ”
February 26, 2024: Diddy accused of sexual assault by record producer
On February 26, Diddy's former producer and videographer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a lawsuit in New York federal court alleging Diddy sexually harassed, drugged and threatened him while working on Combs' latest film. woke up. Love Jones is seeking $30 million in damages.
March 25, 2024: Diddy's home is raided by federal agents.
On March 25, Diddy's properties in Los Angeles and Miami were raided by federal agents.
“Early today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and local law enforcement partners, conducted a law enforcement action as part of an ongoing investigation. We will provide it as soon as it becomes available,” a representative from Homeland Security Investigations said in a statement to People.
These actions were taken amid allegations of sex trafficking in two of the five lawsuits.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org .
