Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing serious allegations of rape, sexual abuse, and sexual assault following the filing of several new lawsuits on Monday.
In total, at least six lawsuits have been lodged in a New York federal court by two women and four men. The allegations cover a broad timeframe, spanning from 1995 to 2021, and claim that many of the incidents occurred at parties hosted by Combs, which were attended by high-profile celebrities and music artists.
Lawyers representing Combs have adamantly denied the allegations, stating to the BBC that he “has never sexually assaulted anyone, whether adult or minor, man or woman.” One of the accusers, who was 16 years old when he attended a party in the Hamptons in 1998, shared details in the lawsuit about being excited to receive an invitation to what had become a highly sought-after annual celebrity event.
Describing the party atmosphere, the accuser noted the presence of numerous stars and artists. While heading to the bathroom, he encountered Combs, and after initiating a conversation about entering the music industry, they moved to a more private area.
During this discussion, the lawsuit claims, Combs unexpectedly instructed the teenager to undress. A photograph from the party included in the lawsuit shows the two together, with the teenager’s face blurred for anonymity.
The plaintiff alleges that Combs described the experience as “a rite of passage” and implied that it was part of an initiation to stardom, stating that he could make anyone a star and that the teenager had the “right look,” according to the claims.
As the legal proceedings unfold, these allegations add to the scrutiny surrounding Combs and raise significant questions about the culture of power dynamics within the entertainment industry.
Credit: BBC News
