Sean "Diddy" Combs, the renowned music executive and founder of Bad Boy Records, is facing a new lawsuit alleging that he raped a 16-year-old babysitter in Manhattan over two decades ago. The case, filed in Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday, adds to a growing number of legal actions accusing the artist of sexual assault, harassment, and misconduct. The allegations span from the 1990s to as recently as 2024, making this part of a mounting legal challenge for Combs.

The plaintiff, identified only as "Jane Doe," claims the incident occurred in late 2000 after she finished a babysitting job at an apartment building in Lower Manhattan. The suit alleges Combs, now 55, encountered the teen outside the building, where he insisted on offering her a ride home despite her initial refusals. According to the court filing, Combs, accompanied by two male associates identified as "John Does," did not drive her home but instead took her to another location, where he allegedly assaulted her after offering a drink that rendered her "groggy and unsteady."

The lawsuit states, "Getting into Combs' car that day was something plaintiff would come to regret forever." Following the alleged assault, Combs' driver reportedly returned the plaintiff to the lobby of her apartment building.

Through his attorneys, Combs has vehemently denied the allegations. In a statement to People magazine, his legal team asserted, "No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won't change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted, or sex trafficked anyone-man or woman, adult or minor. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail in court."

The latest lawsuit comes amidst a wave of legal troubles for Combs, who is currently held in federal custody in Brooklyn awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges, with a trial set for May. The federal case alleges that Combs engaged in a systematic effort to exploit women, and the new allegations echo those claims, further complicating his legal defense.

The lawsuit adds to over 30 similar cases brought against Combs in recent months, many stemming from allegations of misconduct during his rise to fame as a music mogul. The plaintiff in this latest case alleges that the assault left her with long-lasting trauma, seeking damages for the harm caused.

Legal experts suggest that the growing number of lawsuits presents a significant challenge for Combs. "The volume of allegations creates a narrative that could prove damaging in both the court of law and public opinion," said a legal analyst familiar with the case. Critics have argued that Combs leveraged his celebrity status and power within the entertainment industry to silence accusers and shield himself from accountability for decades.

The lawsuit has reignited scrutiny of Combs' public and private life, including his high-profile relationships. During the period of the alleged assault, Combs was reportedly dating singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, further drawing attention to the case.

The case is one of several that have emerged following Combs' federal indictment last year. His legal team has dismissed the lawsuits as baseless and opportunistic, arguing, "We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason." Despite these denials, the accusations paint a troubling picture of abuse of power and influence.

The plaintiff's legal team has not publicly commented on the case beyond the court filings, and Combs' attorneys remain resolute in their defense, insisting he will prevail against all allegations. The outcome of the upcoming trial and the broader legal challenges will likely have profound implications for Combs' career and the larger convers.