Dawn Richard, former member of two of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ musical groups, has filed a lawsuit accusing the music mogul of sexual abuse, further alleging that she witnessed him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Richard’s attorney, Lisa Bloom, shared details of the lawsuit during a recent interview, describing an atmosphere of fear and violence that allegedly marked Richard’s time working with Combs.
According to the lawsuit, Richard claims that Combs groped and sexually assaulted her, and also failed to pay her the wages she was promised. Additionally, she alleges that Combs withheld food and sleep from her during her time in his employ, creating an environment that she described as both physically and emotionally abusive.
In the interview with BBC’s Newsnight, Bloom revealed that Richard was “absolutely terrified” of Combs, stating that when she attempted to confront him about the abuse, she was threatened with further violence. Bloom emphasized that Richard described Combs as having a “vicious temper” and creating a “really violent, tumultuous atmosphere.”
Combs has strongly denied the allegations, with his attorney Erica Wolff calling the claims “false” and suggesting that Richard fabricated the story in an attempt to secure a financial settlement.
The lawsuit also highlights Richard’s claims to have witnessed Combs’ violent behavior toward Ventura, as well as other women. Bloom further revealed that she represents another individual who has come forward with similar allegations regarding Combs’ “freak-off” parties, where he allegedly orchestrated sexual acts with sex workers.
Richard was a member of Combs’ girl group Danity Kane, which was formed on MTV’s Making the Band in 2005. She later joined Diddy Dirty Money in 2010, but the group disbanded in 2012. The lawsuit marks the latest in a series of legal troubles for Combs, who is currently facing charges related to sex trafficking, racketeering, and prostitution.
As Combs remains detained at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center, his legal team continues to fight for his release on bail, with a decision expected soon.
