For decades, Sean “Diddy” Combs was hip-hop’s boisterous showman. His larger-than-life persona and contributions to the music industry made him an iconic figure. However, behind the facade of success and fame, dozens of former friends, employees, and Bad Boy artists now allege a darker side to Diddy’s legacy.
The BET Awards Speech
In June 2022, Diddy took the stage at the BET Awards to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. The adoring crowd included music-industry peers, longtime friends, and family. His emotional speech touched on gratitude, love, and overcoming challenges. But hidden within those words were hints of a troubled past.
Cassie Ventura’s Allegations
Cassie Ventura, a former singer for Diddy’s Bad Boy record label, had been tormented by his behavior for years. Despite their breakup, Diddy continued to publicly pine for her. In November 2023, Ventura filed a lawsuit against Combs, accusing him of holding her in a violent form of sexual servitude during their relationship. She claimed that brutal beatings and sexual abuse left her with physical and emotional trauma.
The Hotel Surveillance Video
CNN obtained harrowing hotel surveillance footage showing one of the alleged beatings. Ventura’s bruises, burst lips, and black eyes were visible evidence of the abuse she endured. The lawsuit shed light on a pattern of violence that had haunted her for years.
The Allegations Multiply
Ventura’s case is not isolated. Grammy-winning songwriter Tiffany Red, a close friend of Ventura’s, also witnessed the abuse. She describes being “terrified” for Cassie amid the physical and sexual allegations against Diddy 2. The allegations have sparked conversations about accountability, power dynamics, and the need for change within the music industry.