Diddy: No Way Out

American rapper, record producer, and executive Diddy (born Sean Combs) has been in the news for the wrong reasons lately. The billionaire has been accused by more than three women of sexual assault, sexual battery, and sex trafficking. So far, he has settled one case out of court, denied the rest, and was dropped by almost 20 brands.

Diddy has been a ‘Bad Boy.’

Source: Rolling Stone

Just like how the fall of one domino can affect the whole pack, one high-profile case against Diddy has led to a large can of worms being opened against him. The worms keep spilling out in their vast number from all sides, and now there’s no telling what will happen next.

In mid-November, Cassandra Ventura (Cassie), a former signee of Diddy’s label, Bad Boy Records, and ex-girlfriend, accused Diddy of a decade-long “cycle of abuse, violence and sex trafficking.” Cassie alleged that multiple life-threatening incidents occurred during their business and personal relationship from 2007 to 2018. She sued the business mogul in the Federal District Court in Manhattan under the Adult Survivors Act.

She claimed that Diddy had exhibited coercive behavior towards her since she signed, controlling her life and personal belongings. She mentioned that he blew up rapper Kid Cudi’s car when they briefly dated after she and Diddy had a falling out. There were also allegations of rape in 2018 after she attempted to leave him.

The lawsuit further detailed numerous accusations levied against Diddy, such as rape, battery, and non-consensual sexual activities with male sex workers. She also alleged how he manipulated her to do his bidding every time, hiding under the guise of being a father and then lover while using intimidation to ‘keep her in check.’

Cassie also complained that the associates of the Bad Boy Records owner were complicit in this abuse. She claimed that they had an iron grip on her life.

“Mr. Combs’ staff and employees witnessed beatings, but no one dared to speak up against their frightening and ferocious boss.”

Per the lawsuit, Cassie asked for an undisclosed sum for compensation. A day after the lawsuit was filed, both parties settled the matter out of court. Diddy’s lawyer, Ben Brafman however claimed that the move wasn’t an admission of guilt nonetheless.

“Mr. Combs’ decision to settle the lawsuit does not in anyway undermine his flat-out denial of the claims. He is happy they got to a mutual settlement and wishes Ms. Ventura the best.”

Afterwards, other accusers hit Diddy with multiple lawsuits. Infact, some other four victims leveled the same claims against the billionaire. Two different lawsuits were filed against him, accusing him of sexual assault, with a third accusing him of workplace violence.

Zero Love for Brother Love

Source: People

After the out-of-court settlement, Tiffany Red, a singer published an open letter to Diddy backing Cassie’s allegations. She claimed that Cassie confided in her about her sufferings, including a physical and verbal abuse she witnessed at Cassie’s 29th-birthday party. Tiffany said the power imbalance prevented her from fighting for her earlier, but she was now ready to stand by her. Other artistes like Kesha, Aubrey O’Day and Dawn Richard also showed solidarity for Cassie.

Veteran rapper and business man, 50 Cent announced a documentary covering Diddy’s sexual assault allegations. He confirmed this via a tweet on December 7. He wrote, “G-Unit Film & Television proceeds from this Documentary will go to victims of Sexual Assault and Rape!”

In the wake of the multiple accusations, Diddy, the self-proclaimed Brother Love, has had 18 brands sever business ties with him. He also had to step down as chairman of his company, Revolt. One of the brands made the decision on the day Casandra Ventura filed her lawsuit, while others cited protecting women’s and victims’ rights.

Yet, in all of these, Diddy has maintained his innocence. He said,

“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.”

This article was written by – Bolu Ibosiola