Following the federal raids on the residences of rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs in Miami and New York, the hip-hop neighborhood stays shocked by the barrage of disturbing revelations surrounding the music icon.
The raids, believed to be the end result of a protracted investigation prompted by a lawsuit filed by Combs’ ex-girlfriend, Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, have delivered to gentle a troubling sample of alleged sexual misconduct and abuse.
“That is 100% about Cassie’s lawsuit,” a well-connected particular person within the hip-hop neighborhood informed The Informer beneath the situation of anonymity. “Cassie’s lawsuit wasn’t nearly Cassie being victimized, which she was. Cassie’s lawsuit gave the police a case with strong, irrefutable proof.”
Ventura’s lawsuit, which some stories prompt Combs settled for $100 million, initially drew consideration to what some business insiders described as “crimes” dedicated by Combs.
The Ventura lawsuit uncovered Combs as a serial abuser who paid males for so-called “freak-offs,” together with directing them to assault Ventura sexually. The lawsuit additionally detailed different types of violence that sources mentioned instantly caught the eye of regulation enforcement.
“When this bought out, the blowing up automobiles, the weapons stuff, police known as Cassie’s folks as a result of they hadn’t heard something credible about Puff till then,” the supply mentioned. “They informed Cassie’s attorneys in no unsure phrases that they have been going to behave. Naturally, they did their due diligence and right here we’re. Puff children in cuffs, he’s on the run, and he’s just about the modern-day O.J. [Simpson].”
Whereas Combs hasn’t been arrested, media members tracked his personal aircraft to Antigua and different island locations that reportedly haven’t any extradition treaties with the US. After the raids, a TMZ journalist noticed Combs being detained briefly by federal authorities at an airport in Miami.
A part of Ventura’s claims included, “In February 2012 … Mr. Combs informed Ms. Ventura that he was going to explode Child Cudi’s automobile and that he needed to make sure that Child Cudi was house along with his buddies when it occurred.
“Round that point, Child Cudi’s automobile exploded in his driveway. Ms. Ventura was terrified as she started absolutely comprehending what Mr. Combs was keen and in a position to do to these he believed had slighted him.” Cudi later confirmed the story to the New York Occasions.
Regulation enforcement officers confirmed that the investigation encompasses numerous potential crimes, together with intercourse trafficking and firearms.
Since Ventura’s lawsuit, quite a few different accusers have made comparable allegations towards Combs, spanning a long time. Lawsuits have detailed alleged coercion, rape, and different types of abuse by the Unhealthy Boy Data founder.
Regardless of Combs’ vehement denials, mounting authorized battles and public scrutiny prompted him to step down as chairman of his cable tv community Revolt.
Combs’ on-line market, Empower World, highlighting Black-owned manufacturers, stays lively however presently shows no obtainable merchandise. Earlier this yr, Combs opted to retract a lawsuit he had filed towards Diageo, a settlement reached with the London-based spirits big.
In his lawsuit, he alleged Diageo failed to satisfy promised investments in Cîroc vodka and DeLeon tequila, which he had endorsed. Combs asserted that Diageo handled these manufacturers as inferior “city” merchandise and leveled unfounded accusations of racism towards the corporate’s management.
In accordance with court docket paperwork, Combs alleged that Diageo executives cited race as a think about proscribing distribution to predominantly “city” neighborhoods. Additional, he claimed that some leaders inside Diageo harbored resentment in the direction of him for his monetary success.
Diageo countered Combs’ claims in response, denouncing them as “false and reckless” makes an attempt to extort extra funds from the corporate. Regardless of the authorized dispute, Combs’ popularity suffered a big blow, primarily after initiating the lawsuit. Subsequently, Diageo assumed full possession of Cîroc and DeLeon following the lawsuit’s withdrawal.
After the raids on his houses the place authorities handcuffed and quickly detained two of his youngsters, criticism of Combs intensified. Famend artists like 50 Cent and former Unhealthy Boy rapper Ma$e publicly condemned his conduct, whereas resurfaced interviews with famous person Usher have added gas to the hearth. Usher’s chilling testimony of his time at what he described as “Puff Taste Camp” painted a vivid image of the disturbing environment surrounding Combs.
“I bought an opportunity to see some issues … I don’t know if I may indulge and even perceive what I used to be taking a look at,” Usher recounted in a resurfaced 2016 interview with Howard Stern. Requested whether or not he would ship his personal children to “Puffy Taste Camp,” Usher exclaimed: “Hell no!”
Federal authorities have arrested a person described in a latest lawsuit as Combs’ “mule.” TMZ reported that Brendon Paul, 25, was taken into custody on March 25 when authorities stopped the hip-hop mogul at Miami Airport. In accordance with an affidavit, authorities booked Paul on separate drug prices together with possession of suspected cocaine and marijuana — each felonies in Florida.
The web site reported that regulation enforcement occurred upon suspected medication in Paul’s journey baggage. Reportedly, he admitted that the bag belonged to him. Paperwork from Rodney Jones’ lawsuit towards Combs described Paul as a detailed confidant of the Unhealthy Boy entertainer who allegedly handles the star’s weapons and medicines.
Moreover, stories indicated that Combs offered his remaining share of Revolt TV.
The Informer has reached out to Combs and his attorneys. To date, neither have responded. An legal professional for Paul couldn’t instantly be positioned.
