Sean “Diddy” Combs, the embattled rap mogul, is denying a new sexual battery allegation currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Reports indicate the allegations stem from an incident in 2020 involving a music producer. The producer claims he was invited to a photo shoot at a Los Angeles warehouse, where Combs allegedly assaulted him.
Combs, while currently serving a four-year sentence in New Jersey on prostitution-related charges, has refuted this allegation, along with all previous accusations of sexual abuse.
In a statement to the BBC, Jonathan Davis, one of Combs’ attorneys, stated, “Let me make it absolutely clear, Mr. Combs categorically denies as false and defamatory all claims that he sexually abused anyone.”
“He looks forward to vindicating himself in court, where such matters are decided—and not in the media—based on admissible, material evidence, not rank speculation and unsubstantiated allegations,” Davis added.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to the BBC that its Special Victims Bureau is in the preliminary stages of investigating a sexual battery allegation against Combs. Citing the sensitive nature of the case, the department stated that further details would not be released at this time.
According to US media outlets, the music producer alleges that Combs exposed himself and masturbated during the warehouse photoshoot. News agencies report that Combs is accused of soliciting the producer’s assistance in the sexual acts and, upon refusal, throwing a dirty shirt at him.
Numerous individuals, including some alleging they were underage at the time, have filed civil lawsuits against Combs, alleging drugging and sexual assault. Some claims also include allegations that the music mogul offered career advancement or issued threats to prevent accusers from speaking out.
Earlier this year, Combs was convicted in a New York trial on two counts of transportation for prostitution and was sentenced last month to 50 months in prison.
The high-profile criminal case centered on accusations that Combs operated a sprawling sex-trafficking enterprise, and the trial included testimony from figures such as rapper Kid Cudi and Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
While he was ultimately found not guilty of the most serious charges, which could have carried a life sentence.
“I lost my way,” he stated in a letter to the judge prior to his sentencing. “My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core.”
Combs is currently serving his sentence in New Jersey.
The new voting maps, designed to strengthen Republican majority in next year’s midterm polls, triggered a nationwide redistricting battle.
The cargo ship lost power before crashing into the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leaving six workers dead.
The US president’s claims that the crown prince knew nothing’ contradict the CIA’s own assessment.
The president made the comment to a female reporter while speaking to the press on Air Force One on Friday.
The claim contradicts a 2021 US intelligence report, which said the de facto leader “approved an operation” to “capture or kill” the journalist.