Dawn Richard sues Sean “Diddy” Combs for abuse

In addition, Richard describes several instances of alleged assault. She claims that between 2009 and 2011, Diddy “invaded Ms. Richard’s dressing room.” Dad's house unannounced while Ms. Richard was undressed.” She claims that Diddy groped or touched Richard's bare butt and chest area on several occasions without his consent.

Another alleged attack involved Diddy – Dirty Money's December 2010 appearance on Saturday Night Live. She claims that Diddy yelled at her and Kalenna Harper at New York's Studio Instrument Rentals (SIR) studios for not being at rehearsals even though he wanted them there. “Ms. Richard noticed people in the lobby reacting to Mr. Combs' tirade,” the lawsuit states. “Embarrassed, Ms. Richard told Mr. Combs to stop swearing and calling them 'bitches' in front of everyone.” Diddy allegedly responded by trying to hit Richard, but she was apparently taken away by one of the rapper's bodyguards before he could hit her. Richard was subsequently locked in a Bad Boy Records car for over two hours, the lawsuit states.

Dawn Richard names numerous defendants in her lawsuit, including Sean “Diddy” Combs, former president of Bad Boy Entertainment, Harve Pierre, several record labels and several companies affiliated with Diddy and The founding of the bandOfficially, Richard is suing Diddy on 21 counts, including sexual assault, battery, sex trafficking, and copyright infringement.

In a statement, Lisa Bloom, one of Richard's attorneys, said: “I am honored to represent the talented and beloved artist Dawn Richard as she seeks justice against Sean Combs and other individuals and organizations associated with Combs during the years she knew him.” She added: “We will not rest until we have achieved full and complete justice for Dawn in this case.”

Pitchfork also emailed Diddy's representative for comment.

Sean “Diddy” Combs' ex-girlfriend Casandra Elizabeth “Cassie” Ventura sued him last year for sexual harassment. Cassie and Diddy quickly settled, but the singer's complaint sparked a wave of lawsuits against Diddy. Dawn Richard even cites Cassie's lawsuit as the inspiration for her own lawsuit.

“It was only when Ms. Ventura had the courage to come forward that Ms. Richard realized that her own personal suffering was connected to the many years of abuse by Mr. Combs that had become normal for her,” the lawsuit states. “As more women courageously speak out, Plaintiff has been empowered by this collective strength and now adds her voice to the growing chorus of victims who are bravely sharing their harrowing stories. Together, they seek justice and stand in solidarity as the latest victims of the #MeToo movement in the music industry.”

Diddy, who still faces multiple lawsuits, has largely denied the sexual assault allegations. His only admission of guilt came after CNN released footage of his attack on Cassie in March 2016. “My behavior in that video is inexcusable,” he said. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, we encourage you to seek support:

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
https://www.rainn.org
1 800 656 HOPES (4673)

Crisis text line
SMS: Send an SMS with the text “HELLO” or “HOLA” to 741-741

The national hotline for domestic violence cases
https://thehotline.org
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)