Previous Danity Kane bandmate Files Sexual Assault Allegations Against Sean 'Diddy' Combs in Fresh Lawsuit
The filing additionally asserts that Richard witnessed Combs mercilessly assault his then-partner Cassie Ventura, including instances where Richard purportedly saw Combs strangle, choke, slap, punch, and strike Ventura with various objects.
The document mentions that Ms. Richard often attempted to intervene, offering Ms. Ventura assistance and encouragement to leave Mr. Combs. However, each time she tried to help, Combs found out and reacted angrily, threatening Ms. Richard's life with statements such as 'you want to die today', 'I make people disappear', and 'I eliminate people'.
Erica Wolff, Combs' lawyer, disputed these allegations, suggesting that Richard was attempting to financially benefit from their 20-year friendship.
"It's unfortunate that Ms. Richard has abandoned their friendship to try and extort money from him, but Mr. Combs is confidently upholding the truth and looks forward to proving that in court," Wolff's statement noted.
Combs was seen in a 2016 video released by CNN physically manhandling, shoving, dragging, and kicking Ventura. Combs had previously denied Ventura's allegations of assault, which formed part of a federal lawsuit filed by Ventura in November 2023.
Two days after the video was published, Combs issued an apology for his actions showcased in the video.
Ventura's lawyer declined to comment on the alleged instances of violence detailed in Richard's lawsuit.
In addition to her allegations, Richard also accused then-Interscope Records chief Jimmy Iovine of witnessing one instance of Combs' abusive behavior towards Ventura and that the company was aware Combs was dangerous around women and prone to physically assault females in public.
Interscope is listed as a defendant in the lawsuit, along with Bad Boy Entertainment and Combs Enterprises. Iovine, however, is not named as a defendant.
CNN attempted to contact representatives for Iovine and Interscope Records but had yet to receive a response.
The Claims
Richard appeared on "Making the Band" in two seasons and the spin-off "Making His Band," which aired on MTV in the mid- and late-2000s. She later returned as a judge on the series' reboot in 2020.
Danity Kane released two albums in 2006 and 2008, respectively. They disbanded in 2009.
Most of Richard's claims stemmed from her experience working on the TV show and her time as part of the musical groups.
The lawsuit claimed that Combs often referred to the five women as 'bitches' and 'hoes' and degraded their physical appearances. During her time in the bands, Richard alleges that Combs required her to reside at his various residences and studios, while depriving her and her bandmates of basic necessities such as adequate food and sleep.
The complaint detailed an alleged incident in 2008 when Combs conducted a business meeting with Richard at his Miami home while dressed only in his underwear. When Richard asked him to dress, he reportedly refused, stating 'This is my f*cking house.'
Combs formed a musical trio known as Diddy – Dirty Money with Richard and artist Kalenna Harper in 2009. This group disbanded in 2012.
While working with Combs in this capacity, the claim alleges that Richard witnessed multiple instances of Combs committing acts of physical violence against Ventura. Following one of these instances, Richard claims to have witnessed Combs throwing a hot pan of eggs at Ventura, which Combs dismissed as a 'lover's argument'. He then threatened Richard, stating 'if you say anything, there will be consequences.'
The lawsuit claims that 'people end up missing' in response to this threat and that Richard was legitimately afraid that Combs would carry out his threats.
Richard also alleges that she was confined in a locked car for over two hours in December 2010, without heat or access to her personal belongings, prior to an appearance on Saturday Night Live.
Richard once again worked with Combs in 2020, as a judge on the reboot of "Making the Band", and in the summer of 2023, as a composer on one of the songs featured on Combs' album "The Love Album: Off the Grid". According to the complaint, Richard did not receive any payment for her work on this song.
Richard is seeking damages and a trial by jury.
Ongoing legal issues
The complaint is one of ten made against Combs since November 2023, and the ninth overall alleging sexual assault. Another lawsuit accused his son Christian Combs of sexual assault, and Sean Combs is accused of aiding and abetting. Both Combs and his son have denied the allegations against them.
His attorneys have issued motions to dismiss many of the claims against him.
The legal troubles Combs is dealing with are merely civil matters at the moment, yet as per reports from CNN in May, federal officials were readying to involve a grand jury, supposedly informed sources mentioned, suggesting that the American Department of Justice might be progressing towards possibly bringing charges against Combs.
In spite of the ongoing investigation, no hints of an indictment towards Combs have surfaced yet.
CNN's Alli Rosenbloom contributed to this piece.
Despite the ongoing legal issues and allegations of physical violence, Sean Combs continues to engage in the entertainment industry. His album "The Love Album: Off the Grid" features a song composed by one of his accusers, who claims she did not receive payment for her work.
Fans and critics alike are increasingly looking towards the entertainment industry's response to these serious allegations, questioning if and how they will impact Combs' career in entertainment.
