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By Akanni Dorcas
Sean “Diddy” Combs was arrested at the Park Hyatt Hotel in New York over unspecified federal charges while under investigation for multiple allegations of sexual abuse and trafficking.
The music mogul has long been a central figure in the music industry, turning hip-hop fame into a multimillion-dollar empire.
From founding Bad Boy Records to his ventures in fashion, fragrances, and liquor brands, Combs became a symbol of success.
But in recent years, his reputation has been overshadowed by mounting allegations of sexual assault, physical violence, and human trafficking — claims he continues to deny.
Here’s a look at the major events that have shaped the scandal surrounding Diddy.
November 16, 2023
Combs’ ex-girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit accusing him of trafficking, rape, and severe physical abuse over a decade-long relationship.
Cassie, who signed to Combs’ label in 2005, claims the abuse took place during their on-again, off-again relationship.
She filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, a law allowing sexual abuse survivors to sue even after the statute of limitations has passed.
According to the complaint, after she attempted to separate herself from him in 2018, Combs allegedly “forced her into her home and raped her while she repeatedly said ‘no’ and tried to push him away.”
Cassie claimed that she suffered “episodes of horrific abuse” during their relationship, including times when he would allegedly fly into an “uncontrollable rage” and “beat Ms. Ventura savagely.”
She also alleged in her suit that Diddy “blew up” a car belonging to Kid Cudi in 2012 after he learned that the rapper was “romantically” interested in her.
Through his lawyer, Combs “vehemently denied” all accusations.
November 17, 2023
A day after the lawsuit was filed, Combs quickly settled with Cassie. The terms of the agreement were kept confidential, but Combs said in a statement, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably.”
“I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control,” Cassie said in a statement issued by her attorney, Douglas Wigdor.
“I want to thank my family, fans and lawyers for their unwavering support.”
November 23, 2023
Two more women stepped forward, accusing Combs of sexual abuse in the 1990s. Filed just before the expiration of the Adult Survivors Act, the lawsuits detailed beatings, forced drug use, and sexual assault.
Combs’ legal team labeled the claims as false.
December 6, 2023
Another lawsuit emerged, this time accusing Combs of raping a 17-year-old girl in 2003.
According to the complaint, the teenager was drugged and assaulted by Combs and two other men after being flown to a New York studio from her hometown in Michigan.
Once again, Combs denied the allegations, stating on Instagram: “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”
February 26, 2024
Music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones filed a lawsuit claiming Combs pressured him into procuring sex workers and sexually assaulted him on several occasions between 2022 and 2023.
Jones also accused Combs of spiking drinks with drugs at parties. Combs’ lawyer called the accusations “pure fiction”.
March 25, 2024
Federal agents raided Combs’ Miami and Los Angeles homes as part of an investigation into sex trafficking.
While authorities didn’t confirm whether the search was related to the lawsuits, Combs’ legal team believed the raids were connected.
Combs’ lawyer later condemned the raids as “an unjust use of military-level force,” maintaining that Combs would clear his name.
May 23, 2024
A former fashion student named April Lampros accused Combs of sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
She alleged that one incident involved being forced to take ecstasy and have sex with Combs’ ex-girlfriend, the late Kim Porter.
Combs denied these claims and filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit.
April 4, 2024
In another case, a woman working on a yacht chartered by Combs alleged that Combs’ son, Christian “King” Combs, had sexually assaulted her.
Combs was named as a co-defendant, accused of creating an environment that allowed the assault and later paying to cover it up.
May 17, 2024
CNN released a video showing Combs assaulting Cassie in 2016, an incident closely mirroring one described in her lawsuit.
Though the video caused outrage, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office announced it could not prosecute Combs due to the statute of limitations.
May 19, 2024
In response to the footage, Combs posted a public apology on social media.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that,” he said in the clip.
“I was f—ed up. I mean, I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behaviour on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it, I’m disgusted now.
“I went out and sought professional help,” he continued. “Had to go into therapy, into rehab. Had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to being a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
August 26, 2024
Combs continued to push back against the lawsuits, asking a federal judge to dismiss Jones’ February 2024 claims, describing them as “tall tales” and “legally meaningless allegations” designed to exploit the media for settlement money.
September 11, 2024
Singer Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit accusing Combs of years of psychological and physical abuse during her time working with him.
Richard claimed that she endured inappropriate groping and coercive behavior while Combs helped her launch her music career. Combs’ team called the allegations a “fabrication.”
September 16, 2024
Combs was arrested in New York after a grand jury indicted him on charges related to racketeering and sex trafficking. While the details of the charges remain sealed, federal officials are expected to unseal the indictment soon.
Combs’ attorney defended him, calling the prosecution an unfair attack on an “imperfect person” who is “not a criminal.”
Marc Agnifilo, Diddy’s attorney, said he was disappointed with the arrest, calling it an “unjust prosecution.”
In a statement to TMZ, Agnifilo said, “Mr. Combs is an imperfect person but not a criminal. He has cooperated fully with the investigation and relocated to New York in anticipation of the charges.
“We ask the public to withhold judgement until all facts are revealed.”
Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, confirmed the arrest in a statement, noting that the charges are based on a sealed indictment, which will be unsealed on Tuesday.
The post Timeline: Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ journey through legal battles appeared first on Vanguard News.
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