Diddy Faces New Sexual Assault Case
Embattled rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing fresh allegations of sexual assault, with a new complaint filed in New York by former porn star Adria English. This is the latest in a series of lawsuits against the star in recent months.
Combs, one of rap’s most successful moguls, has consistently denied all allegations of sexual assault and physical abuse, including these new accusations. According to NBC News, he is also reportedly the subject of a federal criminal investigation, though no charges appear imminent.
Combs’s legal troubles intensified following accusations by ex-girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura in November. Earlier this year, he apologized after footage emerged showing him attacking Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016.
The new case alleges that Combs “forced and coerced (Ms. English) to engage in sex work for him” at parties and threatened to ruin her career if she did not comply. The 114-page filing includes a total of 33 allegations against Combs and his associates, detailing events from 2004 to 2009.
Combs’s lawyer told US media, “No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone.” The statement added that “Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail against these and other baseless claims in court.”
Ms. English is the latest in a string of women to accuse Combs, following a lawsuit by Ms. Ventura that was settled in November for an undisclosed sum. Ventura had accused him of rape and sexual trafficking over a decade. Combs’s team clarified that the settlement was not an admission of wrongdoing.
Since then, various allegations of sexual and physical abuse have been made against the rapper. His homes in Los Angeles and Miami, Florida, were raided earlier this year as part of a federal investigation into human trafficking.
According to NBC News, Combs’s team has been notified that he is the subject of an ongoing federal criminal investigation. Details of the investigation have not been revealed, and neither federal officials nor Combs’s legal team have commented specifically on the matter.
