Sean "Diddy" Combs is now facing his third civil complaint in as many weeks, with new allegations of sexual assault. The latest complaint, filed on Wednesday, accuses Combs of sex trafficking and gang rape, among other serious allegations. The complaint also names Harve Pierre, former president of Combs' company Bad Boy Entertainment, and a third assailant.
Combs, through his representative Nathalie Moar, responded to the lawsuit with a firm statement: "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I have watched as my character and reputation have been targeted over the past few weeks. Disgusting accusations have been made against me by individuals seeking to profit. Let me be clear: I am innocent of the allegations being made. I will defend my name, my family, and the truth." CNN has tried to contact Bad Boy Entertainment and Pierre for their comments on the allegations.
Jane Doe, referred to in the suit, was 17 at the time of the alleged assault in 2003. The suit was filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York. According to the complaint, Jane Doe has experienced "significant emotional distress and feelings of shame that have affected her life and personal relationships for the past 20 years" as a result of the alleged assault.
Jane Doe is seeking compensation for damages that were not specified. According to a statement from Douglas H. Wigdor, the defendants allegedly targeted a vulnerable high school teenager as part of a sex trafficking scheme. This involved providing her with drugs and alcohol and transporting her by private jet to New York City, where she was gang-raped by three individual defendants at Mr. Combs' studio. The impact of these horrific acts has left a lasting scar on our client.
Jane Doe has filed a lawsuit against the defendants for violating the New York Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law, which extends the statute of limitations for survivors to pursue civil actions related to gender-motivated acts of violence. The law also holds parties accountable for directing, enabling, participating in, or conspiring in gender-motivated acts of violence.
In March, a two-year window was opened for survivors of gender-based violence to pursue legal action in civil court, even if the statute of limitations has expired. This law will remain in effect until 2025.
In November, Combs was sued for rape and abuse by his former partner, singer Cassie Ventura, under the now-expired New York Adult Survivors Act. The lawsuit was settled the day after it was filed.
Ventura stated in a statement obtained by CNN that he has chosen to resolve the matter amicably, with some degree of control over the terms. He expressed gratitude to his family, fans, and lawyers for their unwavering support. Meanwhile, a representative for Combs told CNN that the settlement does not indicate any admission of wrongdoing and does not undermine his denial of the claims.
After being sued by Ventura, CNN reported that Combs was facing a new lawsuit under the New York Adult Survivors Act. The lawsuit accused him of drugging and sexually assaulting a woman, as well as victimizing her through "revenge porn." Combs, through his representative, has denied all allegations made against him.