American rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a new lawsuit from singer Dawn Richard, a former contestant on his MTV show Making the Band. Richard filed the complaint in the Southern District of New York, alleging that Combs mistreated women, was physically abusive, and withheld her earnings during her time as a member of the all-female group Danity Kane and later as part of his band, Diddy – Dirty Money.
Combs’ lawyer, Erica Wolff, expressed his shock and disappointment at the lawsuit, calling the claims “manufactured” and “false,” and stating that Combs is confident in his truth.
The lawsuit also claims that Richard witnessed Combs physically abusing his former girlfriend, Cassandra Ventura, on multiple occasions, including acts of choking and strangling. These alleged assaults were said to have taken place in front of industry professionals, who still chose to do business with Combs despite witnessing the abuse.
When Richard encouraged Ventura to leave the relationship, she was reportedly met with threats and verbal abuse from Combs. Ventura had previously filed a federal lawsuit against Combs in 2023, accusing him of physical and sexual abuse, which was settled out of court.
In addition to the allegations of abuse, Richard accuses Combs of exploiting her talent, withholding her earnings, and subjecting her to “inhumane working conditions” during the filming of Making the Band.
She claims that Combs manipulated her into believing that her submission to these circumstances was necessary for her career advancement, telling her that female artists had to endure such exploitation to succeed.
The complaint further describes Combs’ aggressive behavior during rehearsals, denying Richard and her bandmates adequate food and sleep, and demanding grueling rehearsal schedules that lasted up to 48 hours without breaks.
The lawsuit also alleges that Combs created an unsafe environment during industry events, citing an afterparty in 2009 where Richard claims illegal drugs were present and several young women, some appearing underage, were passed out or lethargic.
Security personnel and law enforcement were reportedly present at the event, making Richard feel trapped and unable to leave without alerting Combs. Additionally, the lawsuit accuses Combs of making unwanted sexual advances toward Richard during this time and retaliating against her when she refused by limiting her role in performances.
Richard further claims that between 2009 and 2011, while rehearsing for Diddy – Dirty Money’s performances, Combs ordered her to strip down to her underwear and called her degrading names in front of others.
The complaint also accuses Combs of groping her in her dressing room and punishing her when she resisted his advances by removing her from songs or cutting her microphone during performances.
These allegations are part of a growing list of sexual assault claims against Combs, who has faced several accusations of misconduct in recent years.
Despite Combs’ denial of previous allegations, Richard credits Ventura’s bravery for inspiring her to come forward. Ventura’s decision to file a lawsuit against Combs in 2023 highlighted the ongoing issue of abuse within the music industry, and Richard now seeks justice for the mistreatment she endured.
Her lawyer praised her decision to file the lawsuit under her real name rather than as a Jane Doe, emphasizing her courage in standing up for herself.
The case adds to the series of legal challenges Combs has faced recently, though he continues to deny the allegations. Richard’s lawsuit brings attention to the darker aspects of the music industry and the abuse female artists often endure in their pursuit of success.
Both Richard and her legal team are committed to seeking full and complete justice, and they aim to expose the exploitation that they allege Combs has perpetuated over the years.
