Diddy denies sexual battery as Los Angeles authorities investigate
Imprisoned rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has denied a new sexual battery allegation being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The allegations reportedly date back to 2020 and involve a music producer who was asked to attend a photo shoot at a Los Angeles warehouse where Combs allegedly assaulted her.
Combs, who is serving a four-year prison sentence in New Jersey on prostitution-related charges, has denied this and all allegations of sexual abuse.
Jonathan Davis, one of Combs’ lawyers, told the BBC: “Let me be clear that Mr Combs categorically denies any allegations that he sexually assaulted anyone as false and defamatory.”
Mr Davis continued: “He looks forward to vindicate himself in court, where such matters are decided on the basis of admissible material evidence, not in the media, and not on ordinary speculation and unfounded allegations.”
The sheriff’s department confirmed to the BBC that the special victim’s office was in the preliminary stages of investigating the sexual battery allegation against Combs. He said additional details would not be released “given the sensitivity of the case.”
According to US media, the male music producer accuses Combs of exposing himself and masturbating during the photo shoot in the warehouse. Combs is accused of asking her to assist in sexual acts and throwing away a dirty shirt when the producer refused, multiple news agencies reported.
Dozens of people, including underage accusers, have filed civil lawsuits against Combs for allegations that include being drugged and sexually assaulted. Some allegations include that the music mogul both promised career advancement and made threats if his accusers spoke out.
Earlier this year, the rapper was convicted of two counts of transportation for the purpose of prostitution at a trial in New York. He was sentenced to 50 months in prison last month.
In the high-profile criminal case, Combs was accused of running a sprawling sex trafficking operation, and his trial featured testimony from stars including rapper Kid Cudi and Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
He was ultimately found not guilty of the most serious charges that could have put him in prison for the rest of his life.
“I lost my way,” he wrote to the judge before sentencing. “My downfall was due to my selfishness. I was humbled and broken to the core.”
Combs is currently serving his sentence in New Jersey.
