Chude Uzoka-Anofienem, Staff Writer 

For rap impresario Sean Combs–a man of many monikers–it seemed like he was the soundtrack to Generation X. He stood atop the music world as a recording artist and producer, lording over a multi-million-dollar industry. A rapper who has crossed over to publishing, fashion and film. However, the career of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been shadowed by outbursts of violence, brushes with the law and a trail of victims left in his wake whether it be friends, enemies or fans. This article focuses on the latest developments surrounding Diddy and his ongoing legal plights.

Warning: Certain information contains distressing details.

Newly filed lawsuits from men and women

In addition to the federal charges levied against Sean Combs, aka, P. Diddy, aka, Puff Daddy, aka, Love, aka, Puffy, aka Diddy, additional civil suits continue to pour in. Six new accusers have filed lawsuits against Combs, accusing the disgraced music mogul of non-consensual intercourse, indecent abuse and assault, with one of the alleged victims being 16-years-old at the time.

The lawsuits, filed by two Jane Does and four John Does in New York, are the first of the reported 120 claims being brought against Diddy by Texas-based lawyer Tony Buzbee. The allegations span from 1995-2021, with many incidents alleging to have taken place at parties hosted by Combs. One man, however, asserts that he was indecently assaulted in the backroom of a department store in 2008. A Jane Doe alleges that she was unlawfully taken advantage of by Combs at a hotel, asserting that it was done after a photoshoot when she was 19-years-old. Another male accuser says that he was covertly given narcotics and later assaulted by Combs along with other men at a party in 2021. After losing consciousness, he says he later “came to” and saw Diddy on top of him. Other males, including a then 16-year-old, allege assaults at parties in the Hamptons in 1998 and 2006, both described as being Combs’ infamous white parties. The second Jane Doe alleges her assault took place in 1995 at a promotional party in New York for the Biggie Smalls music video “One More Chance”.

Macy’s accused of covering up Diddy assault

The department store, Macy’s, is at the center of one of the six new accusations brought forth against Sean “Diddy” Combs. Macy’s has been accused of covering up the alleged 2008 backroom assault by Combs at its flagship store in Manhattan. The suit claims that Combs forced a man to perform salacious acts on him following assaults from Combs’ bodyguards. Macy’s is alleged to have “covered up” the incident to protect its multi-million-dollar partnership with Combs’ clothing brand Sean John.

The plaintiff, who worked for Combs’ clothing competitor Ecko Unltd., states that his life was also threatened through verbal intimidation. After the incident, Combs allegedly distributed merchandise to fans as if nothing had happened. The man claims he reported the assault to store security, but no follow-up occurred. The lawsuit further alleges that three weeks later, Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren pressured Ecko executives into firing the plaintiff due to the new deal with Combs’ brand. The plaintiff was fired and subsequently lost his company provided apartment. He believes his report of the assault was “purged” from Macy’s records.

“Cassie Video” A Government Leak?

Diddy’s legal team had accused the U.S. government of leaking sensitive information, including the shocking 2016 video showing Combs beating up ex Cassie Ventura in a hotel hallway. They claim the video has unfairly biased the public against Diddy and argued that such leaks caused damaging pre-trial publicity and swayed public opinion. The mogul’s attorneys went on to allege that confidential grand jury material and information about the case has been strategically leaked since March 2024. They have since asked the court to order federal employees to stop sharing evidence with media outlets. In addition, Combs’s legal team is calling for a hearing to determine the role of the Department of Homeland Security and whether the US Attorney’s Office has taken steps to prevent the leaks.

Indecent assault for Tupac murder comment

In yet another lawsuit accusing Sean Combs of a violent, indecent assault, a woman named Ashley Parham says the ordeal came as a retaliation for a comment she made about Diddy’s alleged involvement in the murder of rap rival Tupac Shakur. The lawsuit claims that Combs, along with several accomplices, assaulted Parham in March 2018. Parham had previously expressed her belief that Combs was connected to Tupac’s death, which reportedly prompted Diddy to threaten her. The lawsuit also named Kristina Khorram, who is alleged to have orchestrated the attack and covered it up. The family of Tupac Shakur, who was gunned down in a drive-by shooting in 1996, has reportedly hired an attorney to investigate any possible connections to Combs.

Nick Cannon reveals teenage experiences with Diddy

Nick Cannon recently shared that he was merely 16-years-old when he first attended a Diddy party. Cannon was co-hosting “The Breakfast Club” radio show when the topic of Diddy’s famous parties came up. Cannon admitted to attending the parties and says he first did so as a teenager. However, he emphasized that never witnessed the now notorious “freak offs” associated with the events. Cannon stood by his statements saying he was just being honest about his experiences and described the vibe as “late nineties Bad Boy parties” and recalled standing outside hoping to get in, not unlike one of the scenes in the “One More Chance” video.

Trial Date Set

The federal trial is set to begin on May 5, 2025. On September 16, 2024, Combs was arrested in New York City and charged with racketeering, trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and transportation to engage in relations for money or prostitution. Diddy appeared before a judge in October and pleaded not guilty, with his family in attendance. They are expected to be present throughout the upcoming trial.

Prosecutor Emily A. Johnson revealed that over 100 electronic devices were seized from Combs’ properties during raids on his various homes, as well as during his arrest. She noted that the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges may follow. His attorney has made it clear that his client will take the stand and asserts that Combs will not be taking a plea deal.