Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the renowned rapper and music mogul, is currently embroiled in a series of severe legal issues stemming from multiple allegations of sexual assault, sex trafficking, and other criminal activities. Over the past year, Combs has been hit with a wave of civil lawsuits, and he is now the subject of a federal investigation.
Federal Investigation and Raids
Federal agents have executed searches of Combs' properties, seizing guns and phones as part of a warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. These actions are part of a broader investigation into allegations of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and the solicitation and distribution of illegal narcotics and firearms.
Allegations and Lawsuits
Several women have come forward with allegations against Combs, including accusations of drugging and sexually assaulting them. One lawsuit filed by Joie Dickerson-Neal alleges that Combs drugged her, sexually assaulted her, and secretly recorded the assault. Similar allegations have been made by other women, including R&B singer Cassie, who claims she was trafficked, raped, and beaten by Combs over a period of 10 years.
Rodney 'Lil Rod' Jones Jr., a record producer, has filed a detailed federal complaint accusing Combs and his associates of being part of an illegal racketeering enterprise. Jones alleges that he was tasked with procuring drugs and soliciting sex workers, and that Combs forced women to drink liquor laced with ecstasy. He also claims that Combs threatened him with bodily harm if he did not comply with his demands.
Default Judgment and Other Legal Battles
In a significant legal development, Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith was awarded a $100 million default judgment against Combs after the rapper failed to contest the claims in a civil court in Michigan. Cardello-Smith alleged that he was drugged and assaulted by Combs at a party in Detroit in 1997. Despite Combs's offer of $2.3 million to settle the lawsuit, Cardello-Smith rejected the proposal and proceeded with the legal action.
Combs has consistently denied all allegations, calling them 'sickening' and 'complete fabrications.' However, recent video evidence showing Combs physically assaulting his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, has contradicted his denials. This footage, released in May, depicted an incident from 2016 and led to Combs issuing a public apology.
Criminal Charges
Federal prosecutors have brought criminal charges against Combs, alleging that he and his associates threatened, abused, and coerced women to fulfill his sexual desires. This includes forcing victims into engaging in recorded sexual activities, which he referred to as 'Freak Outs.' Combs has been charged with sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution following an indictment by a federal grand jury in New York.
