Singer Files Suit Against Sean “Diddy” Combs, Alleging Physical And Psychological Abuse

A vocalist who found success in bands formed by Sean “Diddy” Combs has filed a lawsuit against the music producer, alleging that he helped start her career and subjected her to years of physical and psychological abuse.

She joined the chorus of people who said the music mogul threatened them violently, had an explosive temper, and created situations that were drug- and s*xually charged as they attempted to obey him by filing a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday.

Richard, who rose to fame after participating in the MTV reality series Making The Band, is suing for damages and claims she was not paid millions of dollars.

She contends that because she endured severe psychological and emotional distress, physical harm, economic impairment, and pain and suffering, damages—including punitive damages—are justified.

Combs was “shocked and disappointed” by the lawsuit, according to a statement from his representatives.

By fabricating “a series of bogus assertions all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day— perfectly timed to coincide with her album release and press tour,” they claimed Richard was engaging in “an attempt to rewrite history.”

It was stated that Richard would not have agreed to be a featured artist on The Love Album last year or returned in 2020 for a Making The Band revival if her experience had been so traumatic.

“It’s unfortunate that Ms Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him, but Mr Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court,” they said.

In the lawsuit, Richard claimed that while she was getting recognition in the music industry as a member of the girl group Danity Kane and then as a member of Combs’ band Diddy — Dirty Money, she saw Combs repeatedly abuse his girlfriend and face threats that made her fear for her life.

Richard also claimed that while she was working on songs, she frequently went days without eating or sleeping. According to her lawsuit, Combs frequently lost his temper and threw meals, laptops, cell phones, and studio equipment at people or across the room.

According to the lawsuit, Richard saw him choke and strangle his longtime lover and mentee, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, at other times. The lawsuit claims that the incidents took place between 2004 and 2011.

CNN released 2016 hotel security footage in May, which saw Combs kicking, hitting, and dragging R&B singer Cassie.

The incident fit the description of a complaint filed in November by Cassie, whose real name is Casandra Ventura. The case was settled the next day, but it brought Combs under tremendous scrutiny and prompted a federal criminal probe.

A few days after the footage was released, Combs apologized on social media, stating that his acts were “inexcusable” and that he was “truly sorry.”

Richard claims in her lawsuit that she “becomes a member of the increasing number of victims who courageously share their horrific stories.” As the most recent victims of the #MeToo movement in the music industry, they band together to seek justice and show solidarity.

She claims in court documents that Combs asked, “You want to die today?”

Furthermore, she claims that he boasted, “I end people,” while he withheld her money, stole her copyrighted works, and falsely imprisoned her for hours at a time by groping her.

In the lawsuit, Richard claims that between 2009 and 2011, while she was working on recordings, rehearsals, and performances, Combs insisted on her undressing, even in front of his friends, producers, and bodyguards.

He also made disparaging remarks about her appearance, calling her at times “lazy, fat, ugly, and skinny.” The lawsuit claims that several times when Richard was naked, Combs would go into her changing room and grope her bare buttocks and chest region.

According to the allegation, Combs made overt s*+xual approaches towards Richard when on tour in Glasgow, Scotland in October 2010. She named as defendants Combs’ associates and the record labels that backed him, claiming that Combs committed a significant portion of his abuse in public and with the presence of record company personnel, making them potentially culpable.