Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ Controversies: Lawsuits, Feuds, Extra

In November, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a federal lawsuit towards Sean “Diddy” Combs in New York federal court docket. Her lawsuit consists of graphic claims of sexual assault, bodily abuse, and an allegation that Combs, her ex-boyfriend, would drive her to have intercourse with male intercourse staff whereas he watched. Ventura’s claims are among the many worst, however not the primary controversy that the music mogul and entrepreneur has been alleged to be concerned in. 

Combs has tried to rebrand himself as “Brother Love” in recent times, even altering his center identify to Love, however he has a protracted historical past of violence, relationship again to the Nineties. He’s by no means been convicted of a severe crime however has repeatedly been accused of getting violent encounters with everybody from his exes Ventura and Gina Huynh (who alleged bodily abuse in 2019) to govt Steve Stoute and rappers like J. Cole and Drake. 

Combs’ lawyer Ben Brafman instructed the New York Occasions that “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. For the previous six months, Mr. Combs has been subjected to Ms. Ventura’s persistent demand of $30 million, below the specter of writing a dangerous guide about their relationship, which was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. Regardless of withdrawing her preliminary menace, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to submitting a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’s repute and in search of a payday.” The 2 reached an “amicable” settlement for an undisclosed quantity on Nov. 17. 

Here’s a timeline of Combs’ controversies through the years:

CCNY Tragedy, 1991

Combs co-promoted a star basketball sport and live performance at Metropolis School of New York the place 9 individuals died and 29 individuals had been injured. The health club had a capability of two,730 individuals however as many as 5,000 individuals confirmed as much as the occasion, which didn’t have sufficient safety to regulate the throng. After organizers closed the doorways and stopped letting attendees in, individuals exterior broke the gymnasium’s doorways and rushed the foyer, inflicting a stampede. Then-New York Metropolis Mayor David Dinkins’ administration printed a 67-page report referred to as “A Failure Of Duty” that cited Combs for hiring insufficient, inexperienced safety. Combs settled a slew of lawsuits from members of the family of attendees who died on the gymnasium, finalizing the final go well with in 2000.  

Jake Robles Taking pictures, 1995

Combs and Demise Row Data co-founder Marion “Suge” Knight had been as soon as pals, however the animosity that fueled the violent rivalry between Demise Row and Dangerous Boy began as soon as Knight’s good friend (and safety guard) Jake Robles was killed exterior an Atlanta nightclub after an argument with the Dangerous Boy camp. The boys had been celebrating musician Jermaine Dupri’s birthday at Platinum Metropolis Membership when, as then-Fulton County Sheriff Deputy Chris Howard instructed police, an argument started between members of the Dangerous Boy and Demise Row Data entourage. Howard mentioned that he escorted Combs and his visitors exterior to go away the membership, and thought the coast was clear to permit Knight and his entourage to go away. However, as Howard instructed the Los Angeles Occasions, “[Knight’s] associate was nearly able to get into the limo when abruptly Puffy’s guys got here from across the nook . . . and considered one of them had a gun.” Howard mentioned he chased the person, who handed the gun to a different particular person, who shot Robles “two or thrice.” In line with the Occasions, the particular person then jumped right into a “automotive carrying Combs’ associates.” Robles died weeks later at an Atlanta hospital. Combs has denied involvement within the taking pictures, which Knight reportedly held him liable for. 

Attacking Steve Stoute, 1998

In 1998, Combs and two different males attacked Steve Stoute after the music govt, then Nas’ supervisor, erroneously despatched MTV a model of Combs and Nas’ “Hate Me Now” music video which contained scenes depicting Combs as Jesus Christ being crucified. Combs wished the crucifixion scene deleted from the video, and was enraged that it performed on-air. Stoute says that Combs and two males barged into his New York Metropolis workplace and attacked him with a champagne bottle. He was charged with second-degree assault and felony mischief. Stoute claims that his arm and jaw was damaged within the assault, however Combs denied any bones had been damaged to MTV, additionally telling the community, “I mainly went to his workplace, and what occurred in his workplace, I actually can’t talk about however I can say this: the way in which I dealt with myself in his workplace was utterly incorrect and I’ve since apologized to Steve about that and I felt like, , I simply upset myself.” Combs was sentenced to a one-day anger administration class. 

Membership New York Taking pictures, 1999

In late December 1999, Combs and his Dangerous Boy signee Jamal “Shyne” Barrow had been partying at Membership New York when Diddy knocked a drink out of Matthew “Scar” Allen’s fingers. Allen obtained into an argument with Combs and somebody threw cash in Combs’ face. Allen additionally threatened to kill Shyne. Prosecutors allege that amid the fray, all three males drew weapons, and Shyne shot thrice within the crowded membership. Three individuals had been shot. Combs, who was arrested with two nine-millimeter weapons in his automotive, was charged with 4 weapons fees and for bribing his driver to assert that the weapons had been his personal. A witness on the trial mentioned she noticed each Shyne and Combs shoot their weapons, however Combs was acquitted on all fees, whereas Shyne was discovered responsible of 5 of his eight fees and was sentenced to 10 years in jail. 

Scuffle with J. Cole, 2013

In 2013, Combs was allegedly concerned in an altercation with J. Cole at a 2013 MTV VMAs afterparty. A number of sources alleged to Advanced {that a} “visibly intoxicated” Combs accosted Kendrick Lamar about his fiery verse on Huge Sean’s “Management,” the place he bragged he was “King of New York.” Combs allegedly tried to pour a drink on Kendrick earlier than Cole intervened and so they obtained right into a struggle. The New York Put up, nonetheless, reported that the scuffle occurred after “J. Cole was saying inappropriate issues to Sean Combs and his girlfriend, Cassie.” A witness instructed them that “Some pushing and shoving occurred. No punches had been thrown, however it was a visual disturbance.” Each males instantly denied a struggle occurred, although Cole later rapped, “My final scrap was with Puff Daddy, who would’ve thought it?” on 2021’s “Let Go My Hand.”

Allegedly Punches Drake, 2014

In December 2014, Combs allegedly punched Drake over the rights to the beat that grew to become Drake’s “0 to 100.” The Miami New-Occasions reported that the 2 obtained into an argument exterior of LIV nightclub throughout DJ Khaled’s occasion for Basel Weekend. Phrases had been allegedly exchanged, and reportedly, “then blows,” with Combs telling Drake, “You’ll not disrespect me.” Combs has denied punching Drake, telling the radio present The Breakfast Membership “I didn’t do nothing to Drake, Drake is my good friend.”

Fights UCLA Coach, 2015

In June of 2015, Combs obtained right into a scuffle with then-UCLA assistant soccer coach Sal Alosi. TMZ reported that Combs was current throughout a UCLA follow the place Alosi chided his son (and then-UCLA participant) Justin Combs, telling him, “I don’t care in case your dad’s right here. That is UCLA. I’m going to deal with you similar to I deal with everybody else.” After the follow, Combs and his son reportedly went to Alosi’s workplace, the place an argument ensued and Combs “grabbed” Alosi. In line with one account, Combs was forcibly faraway from Alosi’s workplace after which swung a kettlebell at an intern. A rep for Combs Enterprises famous, “The varied accounts of the occasion and fees which might be being reported are wholly inaccurate. What we will say now could be that any actions taken by Mr. Combs had been solely defensive in nature to guard himself and his son.” The LA district lawyer determined to not file assault fees towards Combs. 

Gina Huynh Alleges Abuse, 2019

In 2019 Combs’ ex Gina Huynh instructed blogger Tasha Okay that Combs bodily abused her all through their five-year relationship. She claimed he as soon as stomped her on the abdomen, inflicting her to lose her breath, and likewise punched her at the back of the pinnacle. She instructed Tasha Okay that, “He was mentally, emotionally and bodily abusing me. He would all the time examine me to Cassie and inform me that I’m the unhealthy one, she’s a superb one.” She additionally mentioned that “everybody” in Combs’ circle “allowed” the abuse to happen. 

Cassie Information Civil Go well with In opposition to Combs, 2023 

On Nov. sixteenth, Combs’ ex Casandra “Cassie” Ventura filed a federal lawsuit towards Combs in New York alleging years of assault. Her lawsuit comprises graphic allegations of Combs raping her in 2018, bodily abusing her, intimidating her, and making her have intercourse with male escorts whereas he watched. The lawsuit additionally alleges that Combs blew up Cudi’s automotive to discourage him from seeing Cassie romantically — by means of a rep, Cudi mentioned the accusations are true. Combs has denied the allegations and alleged that Cassie tried to blackmail him for $30 million earlier than submitting the lawsuit. The 2 settled for an undisclosed quantity on Nov. 17, together with his lawyer Ben Brafman stating that “Mr. Combs‘ determination to settle the lawsuit doesn’t in any means undermine his flat-out denial of the claims.”

Jane Doe Sues for 1991 Rape and Revenge Porn

5 days after Combs and Cassie reached a settlement, a former Syracuse College faculty pupil sued Combs for allegedly drugging, raping, and recording her, afterwards allegedly displaying others the assault he filmed. The go well with, which was obtained by Rolling Stone, claims that after taking the girl to dinner in Harlem in 1991, he drove her to a recording studio the place he raped her whereas, she alleged, she was in “a bodily state the place she couldn’t independently stand or stroll.”  “Days later,” the go well with reads, “a male good friend revealed to her that he had seen the ‘intercourse tape’ together with different males.” A consultant for Combs denied the allegations, calling them a “cash seize” in an announcement to TMZ.

Diddy Faces Third Sexual Assault Go well with in One Week

Simply earlier than New York State’s Grownup Survivors Act’s Nov. 23 deadline, a second nameless accuser filed a lawsuit towards Combs alleging sexual assault. (The legislation, handed in Could 2022, opened a window for individuals over the age of 18 on the time of alleged sexual offenses to file lawsuits towards alleged perpetrators, overriding statutes of limitations that sometimes reduce off authorized choices — advocates have requested for an extension of the act’s window or the undoing of statutes of limitations altogether.) On this go well with, a girl claims Diddy and singer-songwriter Aaron Corridor took turns raping her and a good friend in 1990 or 1991.  She additionally alleges that days later, Diddy once more attacked her at a house the place she was staying. “He was irate and started assaulting and choking Jane Doe to the purpose that she handed out,” the grievance alleges. “Combs was trying to find Jane Doe’s good friend as a result of he was apprehensive that she would inform the lady he was with on the time what he and Corridor had executed to them.” (Reps for Corridor and Combs didn’t instantly return requests for touch upon Friday.)

Third Jane Doe Information Lawsuit

On Dec. 6, Jane Doe plaintiff filed a lawsuit towards Combs, Daddy’s Home Recordings, and Dangerous Boy Leisure, alleging that in 2003, when she was 17, she was gang raped by Combs, former Dangerous Boy President Harve Pierre, and one other unidentified man at Combs’ Daddy’s Home studio in New York Metropolis.  The lawsuit claims that the teenager met Pierre in Detroit and was instructed Combs wished to fulfill her. She was flown in on a non-public jet to Teterboro, NJ, earlier than arriving in Manhattan. The three males allegedly plied the excessive schooler with “copious quantities of medication and alcohol.” The graphic lawsuit mentioned that issues started to visually “blur” for her when she was assaulted by the three males within the lavatory as she drifted out and in of consciousness, had problem respiratory, and pled for them to cease. Allegedly, Combs assaulted her first after which watched the opposite two males whereas sitting in a chair exterior the lavatory. The lawsuit additionally claims that after Pierre completed assaulting her, she was left within the lavatory alone, the place she curled right into a fetal place with vaginal ache. As soon as she “regained her bearings,” she was taken again to an airport and flown to Detroit. 

On the identical day of the lawsuit, Combs made an announcement claiming, “Sufficient is sufficient. For the final couple of weeks, I’ve sat silently and watched individuals attempt to assassinate my character, destroy my repute and my legacy. Sickening allegations have been made towards me by people on the lookout for a fast payday. Let me be completely clear: I didn’t do any of the terrible issues being alleged. I’ll struggle for my identify, my household and for the reality.”

Tiffany Pink Writes an Open Letter Corroborating Cassie’s Allegations

On Dec. 7, Tiffany Pink — a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter who has written songs for Zendaya, Joe Jonas, Jason Derulo, and Tamar Braxton, amongst others — printed an open letter to Combs by way of Rolling Stone alleging that Cassie’s claims had been true.

“I’m one of many pals talked about in her lawsuit, particularly from the evening of her twenty ninth birthday, as detailed within the part labeled ‘Mr. Combs Forces Ms. Ventura Into Intercourse Trafficking,’” she wrote. Pink detailed her first encounters with Combs and her working relationship with Cassie as a songwriter and detailed the occasion the place she claimed Combs separated Cassie from her pals. When Cassie and Combs returned later within the night, Pink wrote that they appeared intoxicated and that Combs was verbally abusive to each ladies, calling Pink an “emotional singing bitch,” earlier than departing.

“She later instructed me you made her have a ‘Freak Off’ — which Cassie described in her lawsuit as an ‘association’ the place you’ll make her carry out sexual acts with male intercourse staff — that evening,” Pink wrote. “The rationale you referred to as me ’emotional singing bitch’ was since you had been listening to new songs we wrote through the ‘Freak Off’ that had begun after you got here to get her earlier that evening. I’m disturbed to my core by this.” Pink wrote that she noticed events later the place Combs appeared verbally abusive to Cassie and mentioned that she, too, had skilled trauma because of Combs’ alleged actions.

Hulu Scraps Household Actuality Present

Hulu introduced on Dec. 3 that the corporate would not make a actuality present centered round Combs and his household. The information arrived as a number of firms severed enterprise ties with the hip-hop mogul following the accusations of sexual abuse and bodily violence.

The challenge — which was below the working title Diddy+7 — was being produced by James Corden’s manufacturing firm Fulwell 73 for Hulu. The dropped actuality present was mentioned to take after Preserving Up with the Karadashians, which can also be produced by Fulwell 73 for the streaming service. “It’s going to profile all the household,” a supply instructed Web page Six in March. “All of them have companies — even the children — and it’ll function everybody.” 

Combs has stepped apart from his chairman function at Revolt, liquor firm Diageo requested a choose to forestall him from showing on new promoting for DeLéon, and a complete of 23 manufacturers have now severed ties with Empower International, his on-line market for Black-owned companies, which launched in July.

Combs Settles with Diageo

Combs reached a settlement on Tuesday, Jan. 16, with the liquor big Diageo, with whom he shared joint possession of the tequila model DeLeón. Combs first sued Diageo in Could, accusing the corporate of labeling Cîroc and DéLeon as “Black manufacturers” restricted to “city” markets. He sued once more in October, asking for an injunction that will drive Diageo to adjust to how he seen his DeLéon contract. Weeks later, his ex-girlfriend Cassie filed a lawsuit alleging Combs raped her, beat her, and compelled her to have intercourse with different males whereas he watched. Two extra accusers stepped ahead with lawsuits on Thanksgiving Day. Although Combs has denied the accusations, Diageo had been pushing a choose in New York to disclaim Diddy’s request for management over an incoming $15 million advertising and marketing funds for DeLéon Tequila. 

“Sean Combs and Diageo have now agreed to resolve all disputes between them. Mr. Combs has withdrawn all of his allegations about Diageo and can voluntarily dismiss his lawsuits towards Diageo with prejudice,” a joint assertion from each events obtained by Rolling Stone reads, that means the mogul can’t refile the lawsuit sooner or later. “Diageo and Mr. Combs haven’t any ongoing enterprise relationship, both with respect to Cîroc vodka or DeLeón tequila, which Diageo now solely owns.”

This text was up to date on Jan. 16 at 4:41 p.m. ET to incorporate that Combs and Diageo reached a settlement with Diageo, and on Dec. 13, 2023, 12:38 a.m. ET: This publish was up to date to replicate information that Hulu would not be making Sean Comb’s household actuality present.