Sean “Diddy” Combs, the founder of Bad Boy Records, has been slapped with a lawsuit by ex-vocalist Dawn Richard, alleging him of sexual misconduct, violence, gender discrimination, as well as fraud, as revealed by judicial records. Richard, also includes Harve Pierre, a past CEO of Bad Boy Entertainment, in her lawsuit that was lodged in the Southern District of New York on Tuesday.
The previous day, Combs faced another legal setback when a Michigan jail inmate, Derrick Lee Smith, was awarded $100 million after accusing him of drugging and sexually attacking him at a party approximately three decades ago. Combs’ lawyer, Erica Wolff, stated that Combs would challenge this judgement.
Richard was a part of the female ensemble Danity Kane and the R&B group Diddy Dirty Money, which featured Combs and singer Kalenna Harper. Both groups were signed under Bad Boy Records.
Wolff asserted that Combs is astonished and disheartened by the lawsuit and is keen to rebut Richard’s allegations in court. She criticised Richard, accusing her of faking a series of accusations against Combs purely with the aim of securing financial gain. Wolff also pointed out the timing of the allegations, which coincided with Richard’s new album and media tour.
According to Richard, Combs continuously molested her, demonstrated physical aggression, and threatened her life while confining her in a car throughout their collaboration. She first encountered Combs while auditioning for his MTV show, Making the Band, back in 2004, during which time Richard alleges Combs’ inappropriate actions started.
The lawsuit asserts that Combs sought to control her by convincing her that bowing to his indecent demands was vital for career progression. He allegedly made her believe that such mistreatment and exploitation was a requisite for female artists’ success in the music industry.
Richard further disclosed, within the lawsuit, incidents of Combs reportedly being violent with his R&B singer then-partner Cassandra Ventura. Combs had previously settled a legal case filed by Ventura, accusing him of continual physical violence, sexual bondage, and rape.
Combs has been cited as one of the key figures in the hip-hop industry, not only as a highly-accomplished artist but also as a dominant producer and executive. Apart from his significant influence in music, he has also ventured into fashion, establishing his own brand, Sean John. – Reuters
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