Dawn Richard, a singer who gained fame through bands formed by Sean “Diddy” Combs, has filed a lawsuit against the music mogul, alleging years of psychological and physical abuse, including instances of groping. The lawsuit was submitted Tuesday in Manhattan federal court.
Richard, known for her role on the MTV reality series “Making the Band,” claims she suffered significant emotional and physical harm while trying to navigate Combs’ tumultuous environment. She is seeking unspecified damages along with compensation for millions in lost income.
In response, Combs’ representatives expressed their shock and disappointment, accusing Richard of fabricating claims for financial gain, especially as her album release approaches. They questioned the validity of her allegations, noting her continued collaborations with him over the years.
The lawsuit details Richard’s experiences from 2004 to 2011, including witnessing Combs’ violent outbursts and the abuse of his girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Richard describes a toxic atmosphere marked by threats, fear for her safety, and physical assaults. She claims Combs often raged, throwing objects and making threats, and even bragged about his ability to harm others.
Richard asserts that Combs made degrading comments about her appearance and subjected her to unwanted physical contact, including groping in her changing room. She highlights the broader context of the #MeToo movement, joining others in seeking justice against such abuses in the music industry.
The lawsuit also names individuals and companies associated with Combs, suggesting they may bear responsibility for the abuse that occurred in public settings.