The Fall of Sean 'Diddy' Combs: Timeline of sexual misconduct allegations, legal battles and industry fallout
Sean “Diddy” Combs, once a towering figure in music, fashion, and entrepreneurship, is now at the center of one of the entertainment industry's most shocking and far-reaching legal scandals. While the hip-hop mogul built a billion-dollar empire spanning Bad Boy Records, fashion labels, and liquor brands, allegations about his private behavior simmered for years before erupting in late 2023. What followed was a tidal wave of sexual assault lawsuits, a federal indictment, explosive media fallout, and a landmark trial in 2025.
Music mogul Diddy indicted for racketeering & sex crimes; over 120 accusers have come forward in one of hip-hop’s biggest scandals.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images for MRC
Legal Storm Begins with Cassie’s Lawsuit
On November 16, 2023, singer Cassie Ventura filed a bombshell lawsuit under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, alleging years of rape, abuse, and coercion by Combs. The lawsuit detailed threats against rapper Kid Cudi and was settled out of court within 24 hours, but it opened the floodgates.
More Accusers Step Forward
By November 23, two additional lawsuits emerged, including one from Joi Dickerson-Neal, who claimed Combs drugged and raped her in the 1990s, and another from a Jane Doe who accused Combs and singer Aaron Hall of sexual assault.
Gang Rape Accusation and Corporate Fallout
In December 2023, Combs was accused of participating in a 2003 gang rape involving a 17-year-old. The public backlash forced him to resign from his position at Revolt TV. Brands began distancing themselves from the music mogul. In response, Combs denied all allegations on Instagram, claiming the accusations were false and defamatory.
The Lil Rod Lawsuit & Federal Scrutiny
On February 26, 2024, music producer Rodney “Lil’ Rod” Jones accused Combs of sexual assault, forced drug use, and manipulation. This lawsuit marked a turning point, with extensive details about alleged sexual coercion, blackmail, and a toxic work environment. As media attention surged, federal agents raided Combs' homes in March 2024 in connection to a sex trafficking probe.
Escalating Legal Pressure and Public Fallout
By April 2024, Combs’ son Christian was implicated in a lawsuit alleging sexual misconduct during a yacht trip. The Combs legal team began pushing back, arguing statutes of limitations and disputing the validity of certain claims. But in May 2024, CNN released shocking surveillance footage from 2016 showing Combs physically assaulting Cassie in a hotel hallway. The viral video forced a public apology and further tarnished Combs’ image.
Institutional Repercussions and Informant Allegations
By June 2024, Howard University rescinded Combs’ honorary degree and the City of New York demanded the return of a ceremonial key. In a surprising twist, former rival Suge Knight alleged Combs had long been an FBI informant, a claim that went viral but remains unconfirmed.
Lawsuits Multiply: Over 120 Accusers by October 2024
On October 1, 2024, attorney Tony Buzbee announced that over 120 new accusers—men and women—planned to file lawsuits alleging drugging, rape, and sex trafficking. Many claimed they were minors at the time of the alleged assaults. Major music labels including Universal and Epic were named as enablers.
More Accusations and a Viral Legal Battle Involving Jay-Z
In December 2024, Combs was hit with more lawsuits, including disturbing allegations involving male victims and a complaint accusing rapper Jay-Z of sexual assault in a case linked to Combs’ parties. Jay-Z denied the claims and countered with allegations of attempted extortion.
Trial of the Decade Begins in 2025
By May 5, 2025, Combs’ federal trial began in Manhattan. The prosecution introduced graphic testimony from Cassie and others describing “freak-off” parties—alleged days-long sex marathons orchestrated by Combs involving drug use, coercion, and blackmail through video recordings. Testimony from former assistants painted a picture of intimidation, kidnapping, and serial abuse. The defense denied all charges but struggled under the weight of six weeks of evidence and survivor testimony.
Documentaries and Media Frenzy
The scandal has inspired multiple documentaries across Peacock, Investigation Discovery, Netflix, and TMZ. “Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy” and “The Fall of Diddy” feature firsthand accounts from alleged victims and former employees, chronicling the mogul’s rise and dramatic collapse.
