The charges against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs explained

Two years ago, rap musician and business mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated his 53rd birthday with an extravagant party at his $61 million mansion in Beverly Hills.

The guest list was filled with celebrities, including Jay-Z, Travis Scott, Mary J. Blige, Kehlani, Tinashe, Chris Brown, and Machine Gun Kelly.

The event also marked his 30th year in the music industry—three decades during which he built an entertainment empire and left a lasting impact on hip-hop, both as a performer and a producer for major artists like Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, and The Notorious B.I.G.

Fast forward to 2024, and the once-celebrated artist faces serious allegations that could bring an end to his career.

In a New York court case, Combs stands accused of kidnapping, drugging, and coercing women into sexual acts, reportedly using firearms and threats of violence.

The same Los Angeles mansion that hosted his birthday celebration was raided by police in March, leading to the seizure of various items allegedly used for events referred to as “freak offs”—orgies involving drugs and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil. Combs has denied these allegations, pleading not guilty on September 17.

These accusations add to a growing list of lawsuits against him over the past year, all stemming from women who allege a pattern of abuse.

November 16, 2023: Cassie’s Lawsuit

Singer and model Cassie Ventura, who had a relationship with Combs from 2007 to 2018, filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of using his influence to initiate a “manipulative and coercive romantic and sexual relationship.”

The lawsuit contains explicit descriptions of violent abuse, including allegations that Combs frequently physically assaulted Ventura, leaving visible injuries.

Ventura also described “freak offs”—drug-fueled parties that Combs allegedly coerced women into and filmed for personal pleasure.

Her suit claimed he damaged a car belonging to rapper Kid Cudi to discourage him from dating her. Combs denied these allegations and accused Ventura of extortion.

The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, with Combs maintaining his innocence.

November-December 2023: Additional Lawsuits

After settling Cassie’s lawsuit, Combs faced further accusations of sexual assault dating back to 1991.

One anonymous woman claimed she was coerced into sex by Combs and another man. Another lawsuit, filed by Joi Dickerson-Neal, alleges Combs drugged and sexually assaulted her when she was a college student in 1991.

A third woman, Liza Gardner, accused him and another man of raping her and a friend over 30 years ago, alleging violent behavior from Combs following the assault.

These lawsuits were filed before the expiration of the New York Adult Survivors Act, which temporarily allowed claims of abuse beyond the statute of limitations.

Combs denied all allegations, with a spokesperson describing them as a “money grab.”

December 2023: Allegations of Underage Sex

In December, another woman accused Combs of “sex trafficking” and “gang rape” involving former Bad Boy Records president Harve Pierre and another man in 2003 when she was 17.

The suit alleges she was provided with drugs and alcohol before the attack. Combs responded, denying any involvement in the alleged events.

Diddy’s Public Denial

On December 6, Combs responded to the lawsuits via Instagram, writing, “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.

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 2024: Accusations from Rodney Jones Jr.

Producer Rodney Jones Jr., who worked on Combs’ 2023 album The Love Album, accused Combs of unwanted sexual contact and coercing him into participating in sex acts with prostitutes.

Jones claimed that Combs attempted to “groom” him, asserting such activities were “a normal practice in the music industry.” Combs’ lawyer called these claims “pure fiction.”

May 17, 2024: Cassie Assault Video Leak

CCTV footage released in May shows Combs assaulting Cassie Ventura in a 2016 incident, where he is seen pushing her to the ground and later attempting to drag her by her shirt.

After the footage aired, Combs apologized, saying, “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.”

July 2024: Eighth Lawsuit Filed

Former adult film star Adria English claimed Combs “groomed” her into sex trafficking between 2004 and 2009 at his star-studded parties.

In response, Combs’ lawyer stated, “No matter how many lawsuits are filed it won’t change the fact that Mr Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone.”

September 10, 2024: Combs Fails to Appear in Court

Combs failed to attend a virtual hearing for a 1997 lawsuit filed by Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith, who accused the star of drugging and sexually assaulting him.

This absence led to a default judgment against Combs, which was later appealed by his legal team.

September 16, 2024: Arrest and Indictment

On September 16, Combs was arrested in Manhattan following a grand jury indictment, which included charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution.

Prosecutors alleged he headed a criminal enterprise that abused women and coerced them into participating in “freak offs.”

Combs denied the charges, with his lawyer insisting on his innocence, but he was denied bail.

September 24, 2024: New Rape Allegation

Combs was moved to a special unit at the Metropolitan Detention Center and was served with another lawsuit accusing him of a violent rape in 2001.

The woman, identified as Thalia Graves, said the incident left her feeling “worthless, isolated and sometimes responsible.”

October 1, 2024: Over 100 New Assault Allegations

Attorney Tony Buzbee announced he was representing 120 individuals—half of whom were men, with some minors—who accused Combs of sexual misconduct, including child abuse. In response, Combs’ lawyer described these claims as “false and defamatory.”

October 14, 2024: Additional Lawsuits Filed

Six lawsuits were filed in New York, including one by a man who was 16 at the time of an alleged incident in 1998, where he claimed Combs ordered him to undress.

Another woman accused Combs of rape at a hotel party. Combs’ legal team dismissed these cases as “clear attempts to garner publicity.”

Combs is currently awaiting trial in the Metropolitan Detention Center. His legal team has emphasized his innocence, and he continues to fight the accusations in court.

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