Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, 54, is a renowned rapper, record producer, and executive known for his role in discovering and nurturing iconic musical talents, including the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Usher.
The rapper known for “I’ll Be Missing You” is currently in federal custody, facing accusations of running a s**ual crime empire that dates back to at least 2008.
Combs’ attorney asserts that he is innocent, and he has entered a plea of not guilty.
At one time, tickets to Combs’ parties were among the most coveted invitations in the entertainment industry.
With stars like Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey in attendance, it provided a chance to rub shoulders with some of the biggest celebrities in the world.
Rob Shuter, who allegedly worked for Combs during his peak fame, shared with the BBC: “When Diddy winked at you and invited you to the VIP section, you knew it was going to be an unforgettable night.”
However, in November 2023, the story took a dramatic turn.
Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, the singer of “Long Way 2 Go,” who had an on-and-off relationship with Combs for over a decade, settled a lawsuit against the rapper. In the lawsuit, she accused him of r*** and s**ual trafficking, receiving an undisclosed sum, according to the BBC.
Combs’ lawyer remarked that the settlement was “in no way an admission of wrongdoing.”
“We have chosen to resolve this matter amicably,” the rapper said. “I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
In the wake of the lawsuit, numerous s**ual abuse allegations emerged, leading to several business setbacks for Combs.
In December 2023, Combs issued a statement on Instagram, denying all the growing allegations against him.
“I did not do any of the awful things being alleged,” the post stated (according to AP News). “I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”
In March 2024, Homeland Security Investigations raided the rapper’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami in connection with s** trafficking allegations.
His lawyers characterized the raids as “a gross use of military-level force” and asserted that Combs is “innocent and will continue to fight” to clear his name.
In the following months, CNN broadcast footage of the rapper attacking Ventura in a hotel hallway in 2016, which closely resembled an assault described in her lawsuit.
This marked Combs’ first significant acknowledgment of any wrongdoing, as he shared a video in which he apologized, stating: “My behavior in that video is inexcusable.”
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I was disgusted when I did it, and I’m disgusted now.”
“I sought professional help. I began going to therapy and attending rehab. I had to ask God for His mercy and grace. I’m truly sorry.”
According to a motion filed by Combs’ attorney, the rapper traveled to New York in September 2024 and checked into a Manhattan hotel in preparation for his indictment and to turn himself in.
Although the hip-hop artist’s attorney stated that he had made arrangements to turn himself in, Combs was arrested first after a grand jury indictment.
The indictment against Combs has been unsealed, revealing that he is portrayed as the leader of a criminal organization involved in or attempting to engage in s*x trafficking, forced labor, interstate transportation for the purposes of pr**titution, drug-related offenses, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
In light of the indictment’s release and the surge of allegations against Diddy, there has been increased discussion about his frequent and high-profile parties.
Notably, a comment from reality TV star Khloé Kardashian has gone viral.
A throwback episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians features Khloé discussing her experience at a Diddy party with her older sister Kourtney.
In a 2014 episode titled “Secrets of a Double Life,” Khloé shares, “I got on a plane at 5:30 a.m. for this party… I think half the people there were butt-naked,” playfully adding, “You would have loved it.”
Kourtney then asks her sister, “Who was with you this weekend?”
In response, Khloé says she was with a “bunch of friends,” listing: “Diddy, Quincy, Justin Bieber…”
