A Timeline Of Diddy’s Sexual Assault Lawsuits And The Consequences That Have Followed

Nov. 16, 2023: Cassie files a lawsuit against Diddy for rape, sex trafficking, and abuse

On Nov. 16, singer Cassie, whose full name is Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court in Manhattan, accusing hip-hop mogul Diddy of physically abusing her throughout their 10-year relationship. Ventura and Diddy—whose real name is Sean Combs—reportedly met in 2005 when she was 19 years old. The following year, Ventura signed to Combs’ record label Bad Boy Records, where she released her debut, self-titled album. Their romantic relationship began in 2007. According to documents obtained by The New York Times, Ventura alleges Combs began exhibiting signs of control and abuse following the release of her debut album. She alleged the mogul aggressively urged her to ingest “copious amounts of drugs” and was frequently violent throughout the relationship until it ended in 2018. 

The lengthy court lawsuit also provides egregious and gruesome details on several incidents in which Diddy allegedly beat and raped the singer. “After years in silence and darkness,” Ventura said in a statement through her lawyer, “I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships.” 

In a statement provided to Complex, Diddy's attorney Ben Brafman vehemently denied the allegations against his client, stating the lawsuit was “riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs' reputation.” 

Nov. 17, 2023: Cassie and Diddy settle lawsuit “amicably”

Just one day after Cassie filed a lawsuit against Diddy, the former couple reportedly settled the case for an undisclosed amount. "I have decided to resolve this matter amicably on terms that I have some level of control," Cassie’s said in an official statement following the settlement. Diddy’s lawyer Ben Brafman also confirmed that a settlement was reached, but clarified in an additional statement that it was not “admission of wrongdoing.” 

Nov. 22, 2023: Macy’s says they are phasing out of Diddy’s Sean John fashion brand

Since 2010, Diddy’s fashion brand Sean John has had an exclusive distribution deal with Macy’s, stating that the department store would be the sole distributor of the brand at a retail and online level. After more than a decade in partnership, however, Macy’s revealed it is in the process of phasing out the brand. It is worth noting that Macy’s did not state its phasing out was in relation to Cassie’s lawsuit, but a result of evaluating their current brand portfolio.

Nov. 23, 2023: Second woman files a lawsuit against Diddy, alleging drugging and sexual assault

On Nov. 23, Diddy was hit with a second lawsuit from a woman accusing him of sexually assaulting her while she was a student at Syracuse University in 1991. According to the lawsuit, after eating at a Harlem restaurant, the two went to a studio. He then escorted her back to another location before allegedly drugging and assaulting her. The unidentified victim also alleges Combs filmed the assault and shared the video with other men. The accuser is claiming they are a victim of revenge porn. 

Nov. 24, 2023: Third woman files sexual assault lawsuit against Diddy

A third woman filed a lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs, alleging sexual assault. The lawsuit was filed just days before the Adult Survivors Act expired. As reported by Rolling Stone, a woman who is identified as Jane Doe alleged that she and a friend met Diddy and singer-songwriter Aaron Hall at a New York event around 1990 or 1991. Jane Doe acknowledges, “Combs and Hall were very flirtatious and handsy,” but things took a dark turn after she was offered alcohol. The suit alleges that Combs and Hall took turns raping her and her friend. Days after the incident, Diddy allegedly visited Jane Doe’s home and “began assaulting and choking Jane Doe to the point that she passed out.” 

Nov. 25, 2023: Diddy’s ex-security speaks out after being named in lawsuit

About a week after Cassie filed the initial lawsuit against her ex-partner Diddy, a man who used to lead Diddy’s security operation came forward in a cryptic message on Instagram. Roger Bonds, who worked with Diddy a decade ago, shared several images of him in public with the couple. The accompanying caption read: “I’m willing to tell the truth because for so many years I was quiet.” In another Instagram post, Bonds shared a screenshot of Cassie’s lawsuit. Bonds was named in the singer’s lawsuit, alleging he intervened during a 2009 incident in which Diddy allegedly attacked her in Los Angeles. Not only did Bonds back Cassie’s side of the story, but he also suggested he “saved” many other women from being abused by Diddy. 

Nov. 28, 2023: Diddy steps down as chairman of media company Revolt

Following allegations of sexual assault and abuse from three women, Diddy stepped down from his role as chairman at his media company, Revolt. Diddy first launched the media and digital cable network alongside Andy Schuon in October 2023. TMZ reports the reduced role is only temporary. 

Nov. 28, 2023: Capital Preparatory Charter Schools ends partnership with Diddy

In 2016, Diddy helped launched the Harlem location of Capital Preparatory Schools and donated $1 million in 2021 to its Bronx location. On Nov. 28, the school announced its decision to sever ties with the entrepreneur amid ongoing sexual assault allegations and legal issues. According to a statement from the founder and head of schools for Capital Preparatory, Dr. Steve Perry, the decision to end the partnership was made after a thorough evaluation. "Following a comprehensive evaluation, a decision has been made to end the partnership between Capital Preparatory Schools and Sean Combs. While this decision was not made lightly, we firmly believe it is in the best interest of our organization's health and future,” the statement reads. 

Dec., 6, 2023, Diddy Accused of Raping 17-Year-Old Girl in Lawsuit

On Dec. 6th, Diddy and former Bad Boy Records president Harve Pierre were accused of rape, sexual assault and trafficking in a lawsuit filed by an anonymous plaintiff. 

The plaintiff, listed as Jane Doe, says she was “gang raped” by Combs, Pierre and an unnamed assailant in 2003 when she was 17. According to the plaintiff, she met Pierre at a lounge in Detroit. They boarded a private plane to New Jersey together and he allegedly sexually assaulted her in the bathroom. She was then taken to a New York City studio where she was given more alcohol,  “to the point that she could not possibly have consented to having sex with anyone, much less someone twice her age” according to the suit. 

After the suit was filed, Diddy released a statement denying the allegations, writing: “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.”

Dec., 7, Former Collaborator Tiffany Red Writes Letter Corroborating Cassie's Allegations

In December, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Tiffany Red wrote an op-ed for Rolling Stone called “Sean Combs Traumatized Me '' corroborating allegations Cassie made in her now-settled lawsuit. 

In the letter, she details her relationship with Cassie, which began in 2015, and what she saw firsthand. She details an incident where they went out to celebrate Cassie’s birthday and Diddy allegedly showed up and screamed and cursed at her. She wrote: 

“When I walked out of the room, you had her backed into a corner in the hallway outside of the door, and your security surrounded you two as you cursed her out with your hands in her face. She and I briefly made eye contact. I felt helpless. She looked afraid and kept looking down at the floor. I didn’t know what to do. I was scared."

She also wrote that Cassie told her about the “freak off” parties—a ritual in which Diddy would coerce Cassie into having sex with male sex workers—that was first detailed in the civil lawsuit. During an interview with NBC News later that month, Red detailed that Diddy wouldn't allow her to record music unless she participated in these sessions.

Feb. 15, 2024, Diddy Hires Ghislaine Maxwell's Lawyer for 2003 Rape and Trafficking Case

In Feb., it was reported that Diddy hired Bobbi Sternheim to act as his legal counsel in the lawsuit from the woman claiming she was raped by him when she was 17. 

Sternheim, who was once the president of the New York Bar Women’s Acciosation, is famous for defending Ghislaine Maxwell during her sex trafficking trial and Osama bin Laden's aide Khaled al-Fawwaz for his role in the 1998 bombings of two U.S. embassies in Africa that killed 224 people.

Feb. 26, 2024, Former Producer Excuses Diddy of Sexual Assault

Rodney Jones, a former producer and videographer for Diddy, filed a $30 million lawsuit against Diddy, claiming that he was sexually assaulted on numerous occasions by the disgraced mogul.

Jones, who also goes by the name Lil Rod, claims that Diddy would grope Jones' genital areas and anus. Jones also claims that Diddy would regularly have parties that included alcohol laced with drugs and that there would be underage girls at these parties.

Longtime Bad Boy producer Stevie J, Diddy’s son Justin Combs, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Yung Miami were also mentioned in the suit as being accomplices.

All parties denied the allegations, with Diddy’s attorney Shawn Holley releasing a statement saying, “We will address these outlandish allegations in court and take all appropriate action against those who make them."

Some of the evidence presented by Rod has been debunked. An alleged Stevie J screengrab included in the suit was actually a photo of male adult film actor D’Angelo “Knockout” Marquis. While some photos of alleged minors were confirmed to be adults.

Feb. 29, 2024, Judge Rules Sexual Assault Accuser Can’t Stay Anonymous

In Feb., Diddy’s lawyers successfully argued that they would suffer prejudice if the accuser in the 2003 rape case got to remain anonymous. The judge ruled that if the case were to move forward, the woman would have to publicly reveal her identity, despite the fact that the alleged incident took place when she was 17.

March, 25, 2024, Diddy’s Houses are Raided by Homeland Security

On March 25th, Homeland Security raided two of Diddy’s homes, one in Miami and the other in Los Angeles. The raid is tied to the various sex trafficking investigations that are ongoing. Diddy was not arrested, but two of his kids were seen in handcuffs. Reports claim that federal agents seized multiple electronic devices and that firearms were found in the house.

A day after the raid, Diddy’s lawyers released a statement focused on what they perceived to be excessive force in the raid. They released a statement saying:

“This unprecedented ambush—paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence—leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

April, 5, 2024, Diddy Named as Defendant in 2022 Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against King Combs

In April, a woman named Grace O'Marcaigh filed a suit against Diddy’s son King Combs, alleging he forced himself on her during a yacht party. O'Marcaigh, who was working as a steward, claims to have a recording of the event. Diddy is named as a defendant in this lawsuit for his role in chartering the yacht.

April 24, 2024, Former Diddy Associate and Drug Mule Charged

On April 24, Brendan Paul, former Syracuse University college basketball player turned Diddy assistant, was charged with one felony count of drug possession. This came after he was arrested in March at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport after feds searched his bag and allegedly found cocaine and marijuana candy. This occurred at the same time the Feds were raiding Diddy.

In Rodney Jones’ suit against Diddy, the producer alleged that Paul effectively acted as a drug mule for the disgraced mogul, transporting and distributing ecstasy, cocaine, and other drugs.

April 26, 2024, Diddy Files Motion to Dismiss Charges on One of His Suits

On April 26th, Diddy’s lawyers in the New York case involving Joi Dickerson-Neal filed a motion to get a number of charges thrown out. Diddy’s lawyers are claiming that he can’t be sued under certain laws if they weren’t in effect at the time of the alleged incident.

The lawyers asked that the charges filed under the New York State Revenge Porn Law and the New York Services for Victims of Human Trafficking Law be dismissed because the alleged incident occurred in 1991 and Combs shouldn’t be sued for laws not in effect at the time. (The laws did not go into effect until 2019 and 2007, respectively.)

Diddy’s legal team also argued that Joi cannot sue Bad Boy Records nor Bad Boy Entertainment because these entities did not exist at the time of the alleged incident.

May 11, 2024, Diddy Asks Judge to Throw Out 2003 Rape Case

On May 11, Diddy’s lawyers asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that he and two co-defendants raped a 17-year-old girl in 2003.

Diddy’s lawyers claim that the suit was filed too late under New York’s Adult Survivors Act. They also want the suit dismissed with prejudice, meaning it can’t be refiled. In the filing, Diddy’s lawyers write:

“Mr. Combs and his companies categorically deny Plaintiff’s decades-old tale against them, which has caused incalculable damage to their reputations and business standing before any evidence has been presented.”

Michael J. Willemin, a lawyer of the plaintiff, responded to the filing by stating: “Today’s motion is just a desperate attempt by Combs to avoid accountability for Ms. Doe’s allegations of gang rape and sexual assault. It won’t work.

May 16, 2024, Diddy’s Allege Drug Mule Accepts Plea

On May 16th, it was revealed that Diddy's alleged drug mule, Brendan Paul, accepted a guilty plea deal where he will not get any prison time.

"Brendan accepted the prosecutor’s offer to permit his entry into the diversion program which, after completion, the case against him will be dismissed in its entirety," said his attorney, Brian Bieber.

Paul will have to participate in a drug diversion program for about six months to avoid jail time.

May 17, 2024: Disturbing Video of Diddy Striking and Kicking Cassie in 2016 is Released by CNN

On May 17th, CNN released surveillance footage showing Diddy assaulting Cassie at the now-defunct InterContinental Hotel Century City in Los Angeles. The footage, which was captured on March 5, 2016, shows Cassie trying to leave a hotel room. As she is waiting for the elevator, Diddy is seen running down the hall. He throws her to the ground, kicks her, and starts dragging her across the floor. At one point, we see Diddy throwing various objects—which seem like glass vases—at her.

The incident seems to corroborate a claim that Cassie had in her suit, where she alleges Diddy struck her and then assaulted her when she tried to leave. The complaint also alleges that Combs paid the InterContinental Century City $50,000 for the video.

After the video was released, Cassie's husband Alex Fine released a statement saying, “men who hit women aren’t men,” also adding, "To all the women and children, I’m sorry you live in a world where you’re not protected, and you don’t feel equal.”

May 19, 2024: Diddy Releases Video Apologizing for the 2016 Incident

Two days after CNN released the video, Diddy posted a minute-long clip apologizing for the incident. During the video, which looks like he shot himself, he said that he takes “full responsibility” for the “actions in that video.” He also claims he was in the darkest point of his life during that time period. In the caption, he wrote “I’m truly sorry,” but it’s not clear if he is apologizing to Cassie or his followers.

Cassie’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, would release a statement later that day, saying:

"Combs' most recent statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt… When Cassie and multiple other women came forward, he denied everything and suggested that his victims were looking for a payday. That he was only compelled to 'apologize' once his repeated denials were proven false shows his pathetic desperation, and no one will be swayed by his disingenuous words." 

This post was originally published on Nov. 30, 2023.