Sean “Diddy” Combs, a rapper and music mogul credited with helping launch the careers of some of the biggest stars in recent years — is in the news — and this time, not because of a platinum record.
The rapper is potentially facing over 100 new lawsuits just two weeks after his arrest by federal agents in New York. The latest wave of legal actions was announced on October 1, as reported by The Los Angeles Times. Over 100 individuals have indicated their intention to file lawsuits against Combs, alleging sexual abuse and exploitation.
Lawsuits against the rapper began on 16 November 2023 when he was sued by singer and dancer Cassie, his former partner, who alleged years of abuse. Her lawsuit claimed that Combs brought the singer into his “ostentatious, fast-paced, and drug-fueled lifestyle” not long after she met him, and signed her to his label in 2005 when she was just 19 and he was 37.
US court calls Sean Combs a ‘serious risk’
Since his arrest, Combs has twice been denied bail on the charges despite offering his Miami mansion as collateral for a $50 million bond. The judges cited what federal prosecutors described as a serious risk that Combs could intimidate witnesses.
A lawyer for the hip-hop artist called Combs “an innocent man with nothing to hide.”
As it stands, Diddy has been charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage with prostitution, according to his unsealed indictment. He is now facing a sentence of over 15 years to life, in prison.
In a press conference, Damian Williams, the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, said the charges dated from 2008 to the present.
“The indictment alleges that … Combs abused, threatened and coerced victims to fulfil his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and conceal his conduct,” Williams said.
