Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Sean Combs

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Sean Combs.

Sean Combs, or Diddy, is a prominent American rapper, record producer, and executive. He rose to fame after working as a talent director before founding Bad Boy Records in 1993. Combs is known for discovering and developing notable artists, including the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and Usher. His influence extends across music and entertainment, solidifying his position as a key figure in the industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1990: Alleged Sexual Abuse by Combs and Hall

According to a lawsuit filed in November 2023, in either 1990 or 1991 Sean Combs and Aaron Hall allegedly sexually abused a woman, with Combs recording the incident.

1991: Alleged Sexual Abuse by Combs and Hall

According to a lawsuit filed in November 2023, in either 1990 or 1991 Sean Combs and Aaron Hall allegedly sexually abused a woman, with Combs recording the incident.

1994: Alleged Orchestration of Robbery and Shooting of Tupac

In 1994, the Notorious B.I.G. and Sean Combs allegedly orchestrated the robbery and shooting of Tupac.

1997: Landlord Negligence Lawsuit

In 1997, Sean Combs was sued for landlord negligence by Inge Bongo, but Combs denied the charges.

April 15, 1999: Attack on Steve Stoute

On April 15, 1999, shortly after Nas' "Hate Me Now" music video aired on MTV featuring Combs being crucified, Sean Combs and two others attacked Steve Stoute in his office.

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June 1999: Stoute Sues Combs

In June 1999, Steve Stoute sued Sean Combs following an assault, which resulted in an out-of-court settlement of $500,000 paid by Combs.

September 8, 1999: Guilty Plea and Sentencing

On September 8, 1999, Sean Combs pleaded guilty to a charge of harassment for the assault on Steve Stoute, and was sentenced to one day in anger management class.

December 27, 1999: Club New York Shooting

On December 27, 1999, Sean Combs, Jennifer Lopez, and Shyne were at Club New York in Manhattan when gunfire occurred, leading to arrests of Combs and Shyne for weapons violations. Combs was charged with weapons-related crimes and bribing his driver.

2001: Arrest for Driving with Suspended License

In 2001, Sean Combs was arrested in Florida for driving with a suspended license.

2003: Kirk Burrowes Lawsuit

In 2003, Kirk Burrowes sued Sean Combs, claiming that Combs had forced him to give up his shares in Bad Boy Records through threats of violence.

2003: National Labor Committee Reveals Labor Violations

In 2003, the National Labor Committee revealed that factories producing the Sean John clothing brand in Honduras were violating labor laws. They reported body searches, involuntary pregnancy tests, locked bathrooms, forced overtime, and sweatshop wages.

February 2004: Improvements Implemented at Sean John Factory

In February 2004, following accusations of labor violations in 2003, Charles Kernaghan of the National Labor Committee announced that improvements had been implemented at the Sean John factory, including adding air conditioning and water purification systems, firing abusive supervisors, and allowing a labor union.

February 2004: Settlement of Fenderson Lawsuit

In February 2004, the lawsuit filed by Wardel Fenderson, who claimed emotional damage after the Club New York shooting in 1999, was settled with terms kept secret.

2005: Settlement with Richard Dearlove

In 2005, Richard Dearlove, a London-based artist performing as "Diddy" since 1992, reached an out-of-court settlement with Sean Combs for £10,000 in damages and £100,000 in costs, restricting Combs from using the name "Diddy" in the UK.

2006: Dismissal of Kirk Burrowes Lawsuit

In 2006, the lawsuit filed by Kirk Burrowes against Sean Combs in 2003, claiming he was forced to give up shares in Bad Boy Records, was dismissed because the statute of limitations had expired.

2007: Gerard Rechnitzer Lawsuit

In 2007, Gerard Rechnitzer sued Sean Combs for battery, claiming Combs had punched him outside a Hollywood nightclub.

March 2008: Settlement of Rechnitzer Lawsuit

In March 2008, Sean Combs settled the 2007 lawsuit filed by Gerard Rechnitzer, who claimed Combs punched him outside a Hollywood nightclub, on undisclosed terms.

2009: Los Angeles Times Claim and Retraction

In 2009, the Los Angeles Times claimed that the Notorious B.I.G. and Sean Combs orchestrated the 1994 robbery and shooting of Tupac, but the newspaper later retracted the story.

2012: Dexter Isaac's Confession

In 2012, Dexter Isaac confessed that he had shot Tupac in 1994 on Jimmy Henchman's orders.

July 2, 2015: Assault Charges Dropped

On July 2, 2015, assault charges against Sean Combs, stemming from an altercation with his son's football coach at UCLA in 2015, were dropped due to lack of evidence.

March 5, 2016: Assault on Ventura at InterContinental Hotel

On March 5, 2016, Sean Combs physically assaulted Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental hotel in Century City, Los Angeles. Surveillance footage of the assault was later released in May 2024.

May 2017: Cindy Rueda Lawsuit

In May 2017, Cindy Rueda, a former personal chef for Sean Combs, filed a lawsuit against him in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation.

February 2019: Settlement of Cindy Rueda Lawsuit

In February 2019, the lawsuit filed by Cindy Rueda against Sean Combs in May 2017, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, was settled for an undisclosed amount.

2021: Lawsuit Against Sean John Owners

In 2021, Sean Combs filed a $60 million lawsuit against the new owners of Sean John, alleging unauthorized use of his likeness and fabricated quotes.

September 2022: Shooting at Chalice Recording Studio

In September 2022, a shooting occurred at Sean Combs's Chalice Recording Studio in Los Angeles during a "writers and producers camp".

November 16, 2023: Cassie Ventura Files Lawsuit

On November 16, 2023, Cassie Ventura, who had a long-term relationship with Sean Combs, filed a lawsuit against him accusing him of rape, sex trafficking, and physical abuse. The lawsuit also suggested that Combs was responsible for blowing up Ventura's then-boyfriend Kid Cudi's car.

November 23, 2023: Additional Lawsuits Filed

On November 23, 2023, two additional lawsuits were filed against Sean Combs by two complainants, alleging sexual assault and revenge porn, including an allegation of sexual abuse in 1990 or 1991 by Combs and Aaron Hall.

2023: Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Diageo

In 2023, Sean Combs filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against Diageo, alleging the company deliberately undermined the marketing and sales of his Cîroc vodka and DeLéon tequila labels.

January 2024: Withdrawal of Diageo Lawsuit

In January 2024, Sean Combs voluntarily withdrew the racial discrimination lawsuit against Diageo, originally filed in 2023, and severed the business relationship.

March 4, 2024: "Lil Rod" Jones Files Lawsuit

On March 4, 2024, Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones, who was already suing Sean Combs for sexual assault, filed a lawsuit against Combs and his son Justin, alleging a cover-up related to a shooting at Combs's Chalice Recording Studio in September 2022.

March 25, 2024: Arrest of Brendan Paul

On March 25, 2024, Brendan Paul, an associate of Sean Combs, was arrested at Opa Locka Airport in Florida on charges of cocaine and controlled substance possession. He was later released on bond.

May 17, 2024: Release of Surveillance Footage

On May 17, 2024, CNN released surveillance footage of Sean Combs physically assaulting Cassie Ventura at the InterContinental hotel on March 5, 2016. The incident was included in allegations made in a lawsuit filed by Ventura.

May 19, 2024: Combs Issues Video Apology

On May 19, 2024, Sean Combs issued a video apology on Instagram and Facebook for physically assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016, stating he was "truly sorry" and that his actions were "inexcusable".

September 2024: Alleged Bribery Attempt

According to a federal indictment in September 2024, after Sean Combs's assault of Cassie Ventura was stopped by hotel staff on March 5, 2016, Combs allegedly tried to bribe the staff.

September 16, 2024: Indictment in Southern District of New York

On September 16, 2024, Sean Combs was arrested and indicted in the Southern District of New York on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking by force, and transportation for purposes of prostitution.

October 1, 2024: Potential Filing of Additional Lawsuits

On October 1, 2024, The Washington Post reported that a team of lawyers plans to file as many as 120 more lawsuits, covering assaults alleged to have taken place during the 2000s and 2010s, against Sean Combs.

October 10, 2024: Trial Date Set

On October 10, 2024, Judge Arun Subramanian set Sean Combs's trial date as May 5, 2025, during a court appearance.

October 13, 2024: Filing of First Six Lawsuits

On October 13, 2024, the first six of a potential 120 lawsuits alleging assaults were filed in New York federal court against Sean Combs.

November 27, 2024: Bail Denied for Third Time

On November 27, 2024, a judge denied bail for Sean Combs for a third time.

February 12, 2025: Defamation Lawsuit Against NBCUniversal

On February 12, 2025, Sean Combs's representatives filed a defamation lawsuit against NBCUniversal, Peacock, and Ample Entertainment alleging that the Peacock documentary "Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy" contains defamatory statements.

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June 24, 2025: Conclusion of Cases

On June 24, 2025, the prosecution and defense concluded their cases in Sean Combs's trial.

July 2, 2025: Verdict Announced

On July 2, 2025, after three days of deliberation, the jury found Sean Combs guilty on two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution involving Ventura, another former girlfriend, and male sex workers. Combs was denied bail and ordered to remain in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for October 3.