Ex-partner alleges physical violence and non-consensual sexual encounter by Sean 'Diddy' Combs following public apology in the year 2024
New York (AP) - The ex-girlfriend of Sean "Diddy" Combs testified in court on Monday, detailing a violent encounter at her California home where she claims Combs forced her to participate in a "freak-off"-style sexual encounter with a male sex worker.
Under the pseudonym "Jane," the woman told jurors that Combs erupted in anger after she accused him of cheating. She described a brutal altercation where he choked her, punched her, and kicked down doors. After the beating, Combs invited a sex worker over, gave her an ecstasy pill, and told her "You're not going to ruin my night like this."
This incident, which left Jane with a black eye and welts on her forehead, took place amid a federal investigation that led to Combs' arrest in 2024. He currently faces charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, which could potentially see him spend the rest of his life in prison.
As Jane stepped down from the stand, she addressed the jury, saying "I just pray for his continued healing." Despite their breakup, Combs continues to pay her rent.
Just weeks after this alleged incident, Combs issued a public statement expressing his commitment to becoming a better man following a video leak of him attacking his former longtime girlfriend Cassie Ventura, an R&B singer, in a 2016 hotel incident.
The Associated Press, in accordance with its policy, does not name victims of sexual abuse without their consent, unless they have publicly shared their identities, as Cassie has.
Jane's testimony is anticipated to dominate the trial's fifth week, with legal cross-examination scheduled for Tuesday.
The altercation began after Jane confronted Combs over suspicions of his infidelity. She claimed that he followed her into a bathroom, kicking the door off its hinges after she shoved his head into a countertop, threw glasses and candles at him, and yelled "I hate you."
After hiding in a locked closet, Jane tried to escape, but Combs kicked her in the thigh, knocking her to the ground. He then at one point allegedly placed her in a chokehold, limiting her ability to breathe.
Jane described fleeing the home and hiding for approximately two hours, before returning to find that Combs was still present. She retreated to a guest bedroom and then ran into the backyard, curling into a ball on the ground as she begged Combs to leave. He refused and continued to physically assault her, eventually insisting on inviting over a male sex worker.
Although Jane resisted, Combs reportedly asked her "then is this coercion?"
Later, Jane claimed that she read Cassie's November 2023 lawsuit against Combs, which detailed hundreds of drug-fueled "freak-off" sex marathons with Combs and male sex workers. Jane said she felt as though she was "reading her own sexual trauma," as the account closely mirrored her own experiences.
Cassie dated Combs for over a decade and testified that they engaged in weekly "freak-offs," many of which lasted for days. She stated that Combs often watched or filmed these encounters.
While specific details regarding "freak-off"-style encounters involving male sex workers have not been publicly linked to Sean Combs, the ongoing legal proceedings and mounting accusations against him paint a picture of a broader context of sexual misconduct and abuse allegations.
In light of these allegations, it's significant to note have human resources departments and employers have a critical role to play in ensuring workplaces are safe, respectful, and free of sexual misconduct. Education, support, and resources for employees can help create a culture that fosters safety, consent, and respect.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, please contact 1-800-656-4673 in the U.S.
In other news, six people were killed in a small plane crash off the San Diego coast, while federal cuts threaten to jeopardize a crucial project in a red county. Read more about these stories and others at our Nation & World page.
- In Seattle, discussions are ongoing about strengthening workplace policies to prevent sexual misconduct, inspired by the ongoing legal proceedings involving Sean "Diddy" Combs.
- Amidst the general news of a plane crash off the San Diego coast, the city's health-and-wellness district is promoting education and resources to combat sexual violence, following the Combs case.
- As the trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs enters its fifth week, the focus extends beyond entertainment and crime-and-justice news, with discussions on sexual health and the importance of consent in Seattle's health-and-wellness circles.
- Meanwhile in entertainment news, celebrities are expressing concern about the growing number of sexual misconduct allegations, with many calling for accountability and change, including in Seattle's general news headlines.
