Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a number of sexual assault allegations and criminal charges.
The rapper first made headlines in November 2023, when his ex Cassie filed a bombshell lawsuit against him, alleging that the music mogul raped and sex trafficked her over the course of an abusive 10 years.
In her complaint filed against Combs in New York, she claimed that she was stuck in a decade-long “cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking” that included a 2018 rape after she tried to leave him, and multiple instances of domestic violence.
The lawsuit was resolved to their “mutual satisfaction” a day later, however, more people have come forward since then, with some alleging Diddy of abuse, sex trafficking and gang rape.
On Dec. 6, Diddy spoke out about the allegations. “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” he wrote in the statement, which was obtained by PEOPLE. “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday.”
In March 2024, his properties were raided by federal agents, which a Homeland Security Investigations representative told PEOPLE was “part of an ongoing investigation.” That September, Diddy was arrested by federal agents and charged with sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Here’s everything to know about the timeline of Diddy’s sexual assault accusations and lawsuits.
November 16, 2023: Diddy’s ex Cassie accuses him of rape, sex trafficking and domestic violence in a lawsuit
On Nov. 16, singer Cassie filed a lawsuit in New York against Diddy, whom she dated on-again-off-again from 2007 to 2018. In her complaint, she accused Diddy of raping and abusing her over the course of their decade-long relationship. Once Cassie (born Casandra Ventura) decided to fully end the relationship in September 2018 over dinner, she alleged Diddy forced his way into her home and raped her.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Combs’ lawyer Ben Brafman denied the allegations, which he called “offensive and outrageous.”
“Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. Ms. Ventura’s demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail,” Brafman said. “Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’ reputation, and seeking a pay day.”
In response, Ventura’s attorney Douglas Wigdor said in a statement: “Mr. Combs offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all women who suffer in silence. Ms. Ventura should be applauded for her bravery.”
November 17, 2023: Diddy and Cassie settle lawsuit
A day after Ventura filed her lawsuit, Diddy and the singer announced they resolved the claims in the lawsuit to their “mutual satisfaction.” The parties added that there will be no further details publicly released about the terms of the agreement.
“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Ventura said in a statement. “I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
Combs added, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best.”
Ben Brafman, Combs’ lawyer, clarified his client’s stance on issue, telling PEOPLE in a statement, “Just so we’re clear, a decision to settle a lawsuit, especially in 2023, is in no way an admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Combs‘ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in any way undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”
November 23, 2023: Diddy is accused of sexual assault by another woman
Days after settling his lawsuit with Cassie, Diddy was accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed in the Manhattan Supreme Court.
According to the court documents obtained by PEOPLE, a woman named Joi Dickerson-Neal accused Diddy of drugging and raping her when she was a college student at Syracuse University in 1991. Attorneys for Dickerson-Neal claim 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 occurred as the New York State Adult Survivors Act window was about to close, Diddy denied the allegations, claiming Dickerson-Neal fabricated the story. “This last-minute lawsuit is an example of how a well-intentioned law can be turned on its head. Ms. Dickerson’s 32-year-old story is made up and not credible. Mr. Combs never assaulted her, and she implicates companies that did not exist. This is purely a money grab and nothing more,” a spokesperson for the rapper wrote in a statement to PEOPLE.
November 23, 2023: Diddy faces a third sexual assault lawsuit
That same day, Diddy was accused of sexual assault by a third woman, according to a lawsuit filed in New York County Supreme Court. In the lawsuit obtained by PEOPLE, a Jane Doe alleged that Diddy and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall took turns raping her and a friend in New York City more than 30 years ago.
“These are fabricated claims falsely alleging misconduct from over 30 years ago and filed at the last minute. This is nothing but a money grab. Because of Mr. Combs’ fame and success, he is an easy target for anonymous accusers who lie without conscience or consequence for financial benefit,” a spokesperson for Combs wrote in a statement to PEOPLE.
The spokesperson added, “The New York Legislature surely did not intend or expect the Adult Survivors Act to be exploited by scammers. The public should be skeptical and not rush to accept these bogus allegations.”
PEOPLE attempted to contact Hall for comment but he could not be reached.
November 28, 2023: Diddy temporarily steps aside as Revolt chairman
That same day, Diddy denied the recent allegations against him in a statement to PEOPLE. “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” he said.
The mogul added, “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
February 26, 2024: Diddy is accused of sexual assault by a record producer
On Feb. 26, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, a former producer and videographer for Diddy filed a lawsuit in New York federal court alleging that the rapper previously sexually harassed, drugged and threatened him while he was working with Combs’ on his recent Love album from September 2022 to November 2023. 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.
“Earlier today, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners. We will provide further information as it becomes available,” a Homeland Security Investigations representative said in a statement to PEOPLE.
These actions come amid sex trafficking allegations in two lawsuits of the five lawsuits.
May 17, 2024: Video of Diddy assaulting Cassie in 2016 is released
New surveillance video shows Diddy grabbing, shoving and kicking Cassie during a 2016 altercation that matches allegations she made in a now-settled lawsuit filed in November 2023.
In the surveillance video, released by CNN on May 17, Cassie, now 37, exits a hotel room and walks toward an elevator as Combs, now 54, chases after her with a towel around his waist. When he reaches her, Combs is seen grabbing her by the neck and tossing her to the ground. While Ventura lays on the ground, Combs turns to violently kick her as he grabs her purse and suitcase.
“The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light,” Ventura’s attorney Douglas H. Wigdor said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.
September 16, 2024: Diddy is indicted and arrested in New York City
After a source confirmed to PEOPLE that Diddy had been arrested at a Manhattan hotel, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams released a statement that he had been taken into custody by federal agents based on an indictment that was sealed at the time.
Diddy’s lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, said in a statement to PEOPLE that his client is “an innocent man with nothing to hide.”
“We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Agnifilo said. “Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community. He is an imperfect person but he is not a criminal.”
September 17, 2024: Diddy’s indictment is unsealed
According to documents obtained by PEOPLE when Diddy’s indictment was unsealed, the rapper was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.
Prosecutors accused Diddy of manipulating women into participating in his “freak-offs,” which allegedly involved flying in women and sex workers to the party’s location. They claimed that he “ensured participation” in these events by providing narcotics and threatening their livelihoods. They also accused him of assaulting multiple women going back to 2009.
The “freak-offs” would allegedly last multiple days and be physically exerting, Diddy and his victims would require IV fluids afterwards to recover. His employees are accused of organizing the delivery of the fluids, and were allegedly heavily involved in the planning and execution of these events, including making travel arrangements for the victims and sex workers and stocking hotel rooms with supplies.
Supplies used for the “freak-offs” were found when authorities raided Diddy’s homes in Miami and Los Angeles, including 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
Though Diddy’s attorneys offered a $50 million bail package, a federal judge rejected it, meaning that Diddy will remain behind bars without until his trial.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.
Source: People
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