Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing new legal troubles after Kirk Burrowes, co-founder and former president of Bad Boy Entertainment, filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual harassment, coercion, and physical aggression. The 18-page complaint, submitted in New York on February 28, alleges that Combs used threats, blackmail, and intimidation to force Burrowes to relinquish his 25% stake in the music label.
According to the filing, Burrowes claims that Combs, 54, created a "toxic environment of coercion, fear, and psychological manipulation" throughout their professional relationship. The lawsuit also accuses Combs' mother, Janice Combs, of playing a role in pressuring Burrowes into signing away his ownership rights. "Mr. Burrowes was stripped of his ownership through coercion and illegal tactics," the complaint states.
Burrowes further alleges that Combs wielded power and influence to silence those around him. "Diddy used fear as a tool to maintain control," the filing reads. "He built an empire on intimidation."
The lawsuit revives long-standing legal battles between Burrowes and Combs. In 2003, Burrowes sued Combs, alleging that the hip-hop mogul forced him to surrender his ownership stake in Bad Boy Entertainment. That lawsuit was dismissed due to the statute of limitations. However, Burrowes now claims to have uncovered additional details about the alleged scheme, prompting him to file a new complaint that includes accusations of sexual harassment.
The legal action is the latest in a series of lawsuits against Combs, who is currently facing over 55 cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct, abuse, and trafficking. Some of these claims date back to the early 1990s, while others are as recent as 2022. Federal authorities are investigating multiple allegations, and Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to separate charges, remains in custody as he awaits trial.
A spokesperson for Combs has denied Burrowes' claims, dismissing the lawsuit as a baseless attempt to rehash old accusations. "This latest lawsuit filed by Kirk Burrowes, filed by none other than Tyrone Blackburn, is another frivolous attempt to re-litigate claims that have been repeatedly thrown out of court over the past 30 years," Combs' legal team told HipHopDX. "Despite repeated dismissals, Burrowes and Blackburn are intent on wasting the court's time and resources by refiling dismissed claims and now dragging Mr. Combs' 80-year-old mother into this."
Burrowes is seeking compensation for damages, the return of his 25% ownership stake in Bad Boy Entertainment, and an audit of the company's finances.
