LOS ANGELES, US – Sean “Diddy” Combs, the rapper and music mogul known for his role in launching the careers of many stars, is now facing multiple civil lawsuits alleging sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and rape. Combs, formerly known as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, has been subject to a series of reinventions throughout his career, but his reputation has taken a sharp downturn with these accusations. Federal agents from the US Homeland Security recently conducted raids on two of Combs’ properties in Los Angeles and Miami in response to these allegations.
Combs, 54, has vehemently denied all the claims put forth against him, and his legal team has dismissed the lawsuits as baseless money grabs. As of now, Combs has not been formally charged or accused of any crimes by federal prosecutors. However, this wave of lawsuits follows an earlier case brought by Combs’ former partner, Cassie Ventura, who accused him of rape, physical abuse, and coercion into unwanted sexual encounters with sex workers. The lawsuit was settled quickly, with the settlement amount remaining undisclosed.
The recent allegations against Combs span back to the 1990s, when he founded record label Bad Boy Records. The first lawsuit was filed by Cassie in November 2023, utilizing the New York Adult Survivors Act, which offered a one-year window for adult victims of sexual assault to file civil claims. Over 2,500 cases were filed before the act’s expiration, implicating prominent individuals in the entertainment industry like Combs, Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, and Axl Rose.
In the most recent lawsuit, producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones accuses Combs of pressuring him into unwanted sexual encounters with sex workers. Jones also claims to have evidence of illegal activities involving Combs, his staff, and others. The lawsuit suggests the existence of “sex-trafficking parties” involving underage women and illegal drugs, with implications of involvement from record label executives and even British royal Prince Harry (although he is not accused of any wrongdoing).
Combs’ attorney has denounced these allegations, calling them reckless name-dropping and unfounded fiction. However, residents in the vicinity of Combs’ Los Angeles property have reported witnessing unusual late-night parties with multiple women. More lawsuits have emerged since November, with plaintiffs alleging sexual assault by Combs during their teenage years. In one case, an anonymous plaintiff accused Combs and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall of drugging and raping her and a friend in the early 1990s.
Combs has remained steadfast in his denial of all these accusations, vowing to fight for his reputation and the truth. His lawyers maintain that the claims are false and have promised to address them in court. The settlement reached with Ventura does not indicate guilt on Combs’ part, according to his lawyers. As these lawsuits unfold, the fallout could have a significant impact on Combs’ career and public image.