Kaylah Walton
Sean “Diddy” Combs has been taken into custody by federal agents in New York following a grand jury indictment that authorities intend to have a judge make public. This significant development occurs about ten months after allegations of sexual misconduct and other abuses surrounding the music industry figure and an announcement from authorities regarding an investigation into sex trafficking.
Here’s a summary of the key occurrences since late last year:
November 16, 2023
November 17, 2023
The day following her lawsuit, Ventura reaches a settlement with Combs, the specifics of which remain confidential. Combs expresses that they chose to resolve the issue “amicably,” wishing Cassie and her family the best in a public statement.
November 23, 2023
Two additional women file lawsuits against Combs right before the deadline of the Adult Survivors Act in New York, allowing victims a limited time to file regardless of the statute of limitations. The claims from Joi Dickerson and another unnamed individual include allegations of sexual assault and physical violence dating back to the early 1990s. Combs’ legal team rejects these accusations as untrue.
November 28, 2023
As the allegations continue, Combs steps aside from his role as chairman of Revolt, his cable network, marking one of several professional challenges he faces due to the lawsuits.
December 6, 2023
In another lawsuit, a woman claims she was raped by Combs and two men in 2003 when she was only 17. The suit states that she was flown to a New York studio, where she was given drugs and alcohol that impaired her ability to consent, leading to multiple assaults.
On the same day, Combs publicly denies all allegations on Instagram, asserting, “I did not commit any of the horrific acts being claimed,” and states he intends to defend his name, family, and the truth.
February 26, 2024
A music producer comes forward with a lawsuit stating Combs sexually assaulted him and coerced him into sexual encounters with sex workers. The lawsuit paints a picture of illegal activities involving drugs and sex that the producer claims to have witnessed. Combs’ lawyer refers to these allegations as “completely false.”
March 25, 2024
Authorities from Homeland Security Investigations execute search warrants in early morning raids on Combs’ residences in Los Angeles and Miami, as part of a sex trafficking inquiry. At that moment, Combs was at his Miami home and his sons were handcuffed during the searches at the Los Angeles location, according to Combs’ legal representatives. The authorities did not clarify if the raids were directly connected to the civil lawsuits, but his lawyers believe that they were linked.
March 26, 2024
The attorney representing Combs critiques recent law enforcement actions as an “excessive display of military force,” asserting Combs is “innocent and will pursue all avenues to prove it.” According to lawyer Aaron Dyer, the treatment of Combs’ children and staff by authorities was also unacceptable.
April 4, 2024
A lawsuit filed in Los Angeles implicates Combs as co-defendant, accusing his son Christian “King” Combs of sexual assault against a woman on a yacht his father chartered. The suit claims Sean Combs was responsible for creating the conditions for the assault and later attempted a cover-up. Legal representatives of Combs label these accusations as “outrageous.”
April 26, 2024
In a response to the allegations, Combs’ legal team moves to dismiss several claims in Dickerson’s lawsuit, arguing the actions were not illegal in 1991 when the events allegedly took place. The motion not only targets procedural issues but also condemns the lawsuit for its “many false and offensive claims.”
May 10, 2024
Combs seeks the dismissal of a December lawsuit alleging he and co-defendants raped a 17-year-old in a New York studio. The objections focus on the timeliness of the lawsuit, with Combs labeling the accusations as “false and abhorrent.”
May 17, 2024
CNN broadcasts footage of Combs physically assaulting Ventura in a hotel in 2016, coinciding with details from her lawsuit which asserts that Combs had already hit her earlier that evening while she attempted to escape the situation. The clip shows a man, believed to be Combs, striking Ventura and violently tackling her. The lawsuit alleges Combs paid $50,000 to suppress this video. Combs’ representatives did not respond immediately.
The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office clarifies it cannot take action regarding the video evidence due to legal time limits, indicating no formal case has been forwarded to them.
May 19, 2024
Combs issues a video apology via Instagram and Facebook regarding the attack on Ventura, marking his first significant acknowledgment of his actions amid multiple allegations. He states, “The actions I exhibited in that video are unacceptable. I accept complete accountability for my behavior. I felt repulsed then, and I feel it now. I sought professional assistance, went through therapy and rehab, and prayed for divine mercy and grace. I deeply apologize.”
June 10, 2024
After a request from New York Mayor Eric Adams, Combs relinquishes a city key. Adams retracted the honor following the video release showcasing Combs’ violence against Cassie, expressing his “deep concern” regarding the footage. This key was awarded to Combs in a ceremony previously held in 2023.
Additionally, Howard University announced the revocation of an honorary degree previously conferred upon Combs, as well as the discontinuation of a scholarship initiative bearing his name.
August 26, 2024
Amid the ongoing legal disputes, Combs files a federal motion against a February lawsuit from a music producer, asserting it is filled with exaggerated tales, “theatrical” claims, meaningless allegations, and “outrageous lies” aimed solely at generating publicity and forcing a settlement.
September 11, 2024
Singer Dawn Richard sues Combs, alleging a history of mental and physical mistreatment, including unwanted advances during the time he helped further her career. Richard, known from the girl group Danity Kane and the MTV reality series “Making the Band,” claims she witnessed Combs assault Cassie and felt intimidated by him.
Representatives for Combs counter Richard’s claims, accusing her of trying to fabricate a narrative for monetary gain – coincidentally aligning with her album release.
September 16, 2024
Combs is taken into custody in New York on a grand jury indictment. The precise charges remain undisclosed, but federal authorities mention plans to reveal the indictment details shortly. Combs’ attorney describes the prosecution as unjust, referring to Combs as an “imperfect individual” rather than a criminal.
