Sean “Diddy” Combs, a rapper and music mogul, is facing multiple civil lawsuits accusing him of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and rape. The allegations against Combs date back to the 1990s when he founded his record label, Bad Boy Records. The lawsuits include accusations from singer and dancer Cassie Ventura, who alleged years of abuse, and producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who claimed he was subjected to unwanted advances and forced to engage in relations with sex workers hired by Combs.
Combs, 54, has strongly denied all the allegations against him, with his attorneys calling the lawsuits “baseless” and “sickening.” Despite the denials, surveillance footage from a hotel in Los Angeles in March 2016 showed Combs chasing Ventura down a hallway and attacking her before attempting to drag her back to his hotel room. Combs later shared an apology video on Instagram, taking full responsibility for his actions in the video.
The slew of allegations against Combs has brought to light a pattern of abuse and misconduct that spans over a decade. More women have come forward with lawsuits alleging sexual assault by Combs, including incidents involving underage women and illegal drugs. Combs has maintained his innocence and vowed to fight for his name, family, and the truth.
The lawsuits against Combs have sparked a national conversation about accountability and justice in the entertainment industry. Survivors have used the New York Adult Survivors Act to bring civil claims against powerful figures like Combs, shedding light on decades-old incidents of abuse. As the legal battles continue, the public awaits the outcome of these high-profile cases.