Sean “Diddy” Combs, the iconic music mogul, is encountering a string of challenges as multiple companies withdraw from his recent business venture, Empower Global. This development follows a series of sexual assault lawsuits against Diddy, prompting an increasing backlash and impacting his professional associations.
According to reports by The Rolling Stone, a total of 18 companies have decided to sever their ties with Diddy’s e-commerce site, Empower Global, which was launched just this September. Notable among the departing businesses is No One Clothiers, a contemporary streetwear company. Lenard Grier, the founder, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating, “While this decision was difficult due to the reverence we once held for Mr. Combs as a leader in business and entertainment, it was clearly the correct choice.”
Similarly, Annette Njau, the founder of House of Takura, expressed strong sentiments about the allegations against Diddy. “We take the allegations against Mr. Combs very seriously and find such behavior abhorrent and intolerable,” she remarked. Njau revealed that their decision to sever ties with Diddy was made on the day the first lawsuit against him emerged on November 16.
The initial lawsuit, filed by Diddy’s ex-partner Cassie, alleged sexual assault and detailed a decade-long history of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, including disturbing accusations of drugging, sex trafficking, and rape. Although the former couple settled the lawsuit within a day, three additional women have since come forward with similar claims.
Diddy, breaking his silence on the accusations, took to Instagram to vehemently deny the claims, declaring, “I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.” Despite his denial, Diddy faces a series of losses, including stepping down as the chairman of Revolt TV, his own music network. The unfolding situation demonstrates the complexity of navigating allegations of this nature, with significant consequences impacting both his personal and professional life.