The legal troubles surrounding Sean "Diddy" Combs have intensified, with claims from lawyers representing alleged victims that the accusations against the music mogul are merely the beginning. Lisa Bloom, an attorney representing Dawn Richard, a former member of groups formed by Combs, stated she has "no doubt there are hundreds more people" with allegations of "sexual assault, physical violence, threats, and sex trafficking" against the embattled rapper. Combs, 55, is currently jailed in New York awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering conspiracy, and related offenses. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied the mounting allegations.
Speaking to Sky News, Bloom described Combs as "the top of the pyramid," alleging he orchestrated widespread abuse with assistance from others. "You can't do that alone; you have to have helpers," Bloom asserted. Her client, Richard, filed a civil lawsuit in September, alleging years of mistreatment, including inhumane working conditions during her time on the reality show Making The Band and subsequent musical projects under Combs' direction.
Richard accused Combs of belittling contestants on the show, subjecting them to grueling rehearsal schedules without sufficient food or rest, and making demeaning comments about their appearance. "She alleges that she was groped and grabbed by Sean Combs, that she witnessed him physically assaulting other women, that he restrained her, locked her into cars and other places, falsely imprisoned her, and it was just a really terrifying experience for her," Bloom detailed. The lawsuit also references an alleged pattern of threats and intimidation aimed at silencing Richard when she tried to advocate for others.
Combs' legal team has denied the allegations, characterizing them as opportunistic fabrications. Erica Wolff, an attorney for Combs, dismissed Richard's claims as a "manufactured" attempt to secure a payday. "If Ms. Richard had such a negative experience with Making The Band and Danity Kane, she would not have chosen to continue working directly with Mr. Combs for Dirty Money, nor would she have returned for the Making the Band reboot in 2020," Wolff said in a statement. Wolff also pointed out that Richard's allegations surfaced during the release of her album, suggesting ulterior motives.
Despite these denials, Bloom believes more victims and witnesses will come forward, including prominent figures who attended Combs' infamous parties. "People used to brag about going to Diddy parties. Maybe some of them didn't know what was happening, but surely many of them did," she remarked, emphasizing that fame does not place anyone above the law.
Richard's lawsuit is one of more than 20 civil cases filed against Combs, adding to the criminal charges he faces. Combs is accused of exploiting individuals through coercion, abuse, and manipulation over several years. Prosecutors allege that his operations relied on a network of enablers who facilitated or turned a blind eye to the alleged misconduct.
Combs has publicly denied the claims in the past, but his efforts to deflect the accusations have drawn criticism. In a video posted on Instagram following allegations of abuse against former partner Cassie Ventura, Combs acknowledged his behavior captured in a hotel surveillance video and apologized. "I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted then when I did it. I'm disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help," he said. Ventura's legal team countered that his statement lacked sincerity, accusing him of offering apologies only after his denials were contradicted by evidence.
Bloom remains resolute in pursuing accountability for both Combs and those who enabled his alleged actions. "Sean Combs is the top of the pyramid... but those who helped him also need to be brought to justice," she said. "People who saw incidents of abuse and continued funding these events should be held accountable."
