Dawn Richard Files Lawsuit Against Diddy, Accusing Him of Abuse and Harassment
In a significant legal development, Dawn Richard, a former member of the popular musical group Danity Kane, has filed a lawsuit in New York federal court accusing Sean “Diddy” Combs of sexual battery, sexual harassment, and false imprisonment, among other allegations. The complaint was submitted on Tuesday.
The lawsuit alleges that Richard witnessed Combs engage in violent acts against his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, including choking, strangling, slapping, punching, and striking her with objects. “On many occasions, Ms. Richard tried to intervene, offering Ms. Ventura support and encouragement to leave Mr. Combs,” the lawsuit states. However, it claims that Combs reacted with anger, making threats against Richard’s life that included phrases such as “you want to die today” and “I make n***** go missing.”
Erica Wolff, Combs’ attorney, dismissed the allegations in a statement to CNN, suggesting that Richard may have financial motives behind the lawsuit. “It’s unfortunate that Ms. Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him,” Wolff said. “Mr. Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court.”
Earlier this year, Combs was captured on video from 2016 by CNN, involving him in an aggressive altercation where he grabbed, shoved, dragged, and kicked Ventura. Although he previously denied the allegations of violence, they were part of a federal lawsuit filed by Ventura, which has since been settled.
In relation to the recent lawsuit, Ventura’s attorney declined to comment on the violent incidents alleged by Richard. The complaint further claims that Jimmy Iovine, then-head of Interscope Records, witnessed one instance of abuse towards Ventura and that the company was aware of Combs’ dangerous behavior around women.
Interscope Records, along with Bad Boy Entertainment and Combs Enterprises, is named as a defendant in the lawsuit, while Iovine is not named as a defendant. CNN has reached out to Iovine and Interscope for comment.
Richard, who appeared in two seasons of MTV’s “Making the Band” and returned to the franchise in 2020 as a judge on a reboot, has claims rooted in her experiences during her time on the show and in the musical groups. Danity Kane released two albums in 2006 and 2008 before disbanding in 2009.
Richard’s lawsuit alleges that Combs often referred to the women in the group using derogatory terms and imposed harsh living conditions, including depriving them of adequate food and sleep. The complaint highlights an alleged incident from 2008 where Combs held a business meeting with Richard while only wearing underwear, disregarding her request for him to dress appropriately.
In 2009, Combs formed a trio called Diddy – Dirty Money with Richard and Kalenna Harper, which disbanded in 2012. During their collaboration, Richard reportedly witnessed multiple violent incidents committed by Combs against Ventura. Following these instances, Combs allegedly threatened Richard, warning her of “consequences” should she speak out.
Additionally, Richard claims she was compelled to strip down in front of Combs and that he would enter her changing room without permission. In December 2010, she alleges that Combs left her in a locked car without heat or access to her personal belongings for over two hours after an argument.
Richard also reported that she collaborated with Combs again in 2020 and worked as a composer on his album “The Love Album: Off the Grid” in the summer of 2023, yet she claims she did not receive any compensation for her contribution.
In this lawsuit, Richard is seeking damages and a jury trial. Her complaint is notable as it is among ten filed against Combs since November, with nine alleging sexual assault; one being Ventura’s settled claim. Additionally, another lawsuit involves allegations against Combs’ son, Christian Combs, of sexual assault, in which Sean Combs is accused of aiding and abetting. Both Combs and his son have denied these allegations.
Combs’ legal team has sought to dismiss various claims against him. Though the current lawsuits are civil cases, CNN reported in May that federal investigators are preparing to utilize a grand jury, indicating that the U.S. Justice Department may be moving toward seeking an indictment.
As the investigation continues, there is currently no indication regarding the possibility of an indictment against Combs.
