The music industry's titular figure, Sean "Diddy" Combs, has vehemently denied a fresh allegation of sexual battery that's currently under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The allegations, which reportedly date back to 2020, involve a music producer who was invited to a photoshoot in a Los Angeles warehouse where Combs is alleged to have assaulted him.
Combs, who is currently serving a four-year prison sentence in New Jersey for prostitution-related charges, has vehemently denied this and all allegations of sexual abuse. "Let me make it crystal clear," said one of Combs' attorneys, Jonathan Davis, in a statement to the BBC. "Mr. Combs categorically denies as false and defamatory all claims that he sexually abused anyone. He eagerly awaits his day in court, where such matters are decided based on admissible, material evidence, not on unfounded speculation and unsubstantiated allegations."
The sheriff's department confirmed to the BBC that its special victim's bureau is in the preliminary stages of investigating the sexual battery allegation against Combs. The department added that no further details would be released "due to the sensitivity of the case."
According to US media reports, the male music producer accuses Combs of exposing himself and masturbating during the warehouse photoshoot. Combs is further accused of coercing him into participating in sexual acts and throwing a dirty shirt when the producer refused. Several news agencies have reported on these accusations.
Dozens of individuals, including underage accusers, have filed civil lawsuits against Combs on allegations that include being drugged and sexually assaulted. Some claims suggest that the music mogul promised career advancement or threatened silence if accusers spoke up.
Earlier this year, Combs was convicted in a New York trial on two counts of transportation for prostitution. He was sentenced last month to 50 months in prison. The high-profile criminal case accused Combs of running a vast sex-trafficking operation, and his trial included testimony from stars such as rapper Kid Cudi and his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura. Although he was ultimately found not guilty of the most serious charges, which could have resulted in life imprisonment, Combs admitted his fall from grace before his sentencing. "I lost my way," he wrote to the judge. "My downfall was rooted in my selfishness. I have been humbled and broken to my core."
Combs is currently serving out his sentence in New Jersey.
