Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs faces new lawsuits alleging sexual assault of a teen contestant from ‘Making the Band’ and a 10-year-old boy.
Two fresh civil actions have been instigated against Sean “Diddy” Combs by unnamed male plaintiffs. These individuals allege they were minors when sexually violated by the prominent music figure during auditions. One accuser asserts he was merely 10 years old at the time. Combs, in a statement provided to CNN, refutes these recent allegations.
Currently detained in New York while awaiting his criminal trial, the beleaguered artist and entrepreneur faces a minimum of 27 civil lawsuits. One claimant, identified as John Doe, recounts an audition with Combs in 2005 at a New York hotel when he was 10. He alleges Combs offered him a soda tainted with drugs. The lawsuit details that, after resisting, Combs coerced Doe into performing oral sex. Doe reportedly lost consciousness, awakening later in distress with his clothing disheveled and experiencing physical pain.
In a separate legal filing, another John Doe alleges he was 17 in approximately 2008 during a three-day audition for MTV’s “Making the Band.” The plaintiff claims during the initial interview, Combs posed hypothetical questions about handling sexual coercion. As Combs elaborated on these scenarios, he purportedly began assaulting the plaintiff, both over and beneath his clothing, and commanded him to disrobe.
The lawsuit further claims Combs highlighted his influence over Doe's potential career in the music world, asserting he could "make or break" it. On the audition's second day, Combs allegedly insisted the 17-year-old strip to prove he could personify a 'sex idol,' culminating in forced oral sex and sodomy. The subsequent day, the complaint alleges Combs and a bodyguard assaulted Doe again before dismissing him from the competition, citing Doe's reluctance to comply sexually as the reason for elimination.
Combs' legal representation, contacted by CNN, refrained from addressing the new lawsuits' specific accusations but firmly denied Combs has ever engaged in sexual assault or trafficking. "Mr. Combs cannot respond to every publicity stunt," his lawyers stated, considering some claims baseless. They expressed confidence in the judicial system's integrity and anticipated that court proceedings would affirm Combs' innocence regarding accusations of sexual assault or trafficking.
The recent lawsuits were lodged on Monday in New York state court, with both plaintiffs represented by attorneys Tony Buzbee and Andrew Van Arsdale. These legal representatives have indicated they are advocating for over 120 alleged victims preparing to reveal their claims against Combs.
Since November 2023, more than 24 civil lawsuits accusing Combs of sexual misconduct have emerged. The first lawsuit, initiated by ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, reached a settlement the following day, while the remaining cases are ongoing. Combs has consistently denied all civil allegations. Federal authorities have charged Combs with leading a "criminal enterprise" via his business operations, involving sex trafficking, forced labor, and prolonged abuse, among other charges. He has entered a not-guilty plea to federal charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering.
The criminal trial for Combs is provisionally scheduled for May 2025. Investigators have indicated the criminal probe is active, with potential for additional charges or defendants in a future expanded indictment.
