Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing another sexual assault lawsuit, this time from former model Crystal McKinney. McKinney alleges that in 2003, Combs forced her to perform oral sex on him after a Men’s Fashion Week event in NYC. She claims that Combs invited her to his studio, where they drank and smoked, leading her to a state of delirium. Despite her refusal, Combs allegedly assaulted her in the bathroom, leading to McKinney feeling light-headed and losing consciousness.
After regaining consciousness in a taxi, McKinney realized she had been sexually assaulted by Combs. As a result, she claims she was blackballed from the modeling industry and suffered from severe depression, even attempting suicide a year later. McKinney is seeking unspecified damages in her lawsuit. She is not the only woman to come forward with allegations against Combs, as his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit in November 2023, accusing him of physical abuse and rape throughout their relationship.
A video of Combs physically assaulting Ventura corroborated some of her claims, leading to a settlement between the exes. However, more allegations emerged after the settlement, including Joi Dickerson-Neal accusing Combs of drugging and raping her in 1991. Another anonymous woman also filed a lawsuit alleging that Combs coerced her into having sex at a party. Combs was further accused of gang-raping and sex-trafficking a 17-year-old schoolgirl in December.
In February, Combs’ former producer, Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, filed a lawsuit claiming that Combs repeatedly sexually assaulted him while working on his album. Jones alleged that Combs groomed him into having sex by groping him and touching him inappropriately. Combs denied these accusations and his home was raided by the feds in connection to a sex trafficking investigation. Despite these allegations, Combs has denied any wrongdoing and his representatives have not commented on the matter.
The series of sexual assault allegations against Combs highlight the prevalence of such misconduct in the entertainment industry. The legal cases brought forward by McKinney, Ventura, Dickerson-Neal, and Jones shed light on the abuse of power and predatory behavior that can occur in these contexts. The lawsuits also serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting survivors of sexual assault and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in these cases, it is essential to seek help and support from organizations such as the Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-330-0226.
