Diddy denies allegations of sexual assault and abuse against Dawn Richard in new lawsuit

Sean “Diddy” Combs' legal team has responded to a recent lawsuit filed against him by singer-songwriter Dawn Richard, accusing him of physical abuse and sexual harassment. In a statement to ComplexDiddy is “shocked and disappointed” by the lawsuit, describing it as a “fabricated series of false allegations, all in the hopes of making money.”

The lawsuit reported TMZaccuses Diddy of harassment and sexual abuse. Richard, a former member of Danity Kane and Diddy-Dirty Money, alleges a pattern of abusive behavior between 2009 and 2011. She claims he once forced her to rehearse for 48 hours straight, causing severe weight loss, fatigue and dehydration. Richard also recalled an instance when, during a visit to Diddy's Miami home, he greeted her wearing only his underwear and refused to get dressed.

The allegations go even further. Richard claims Diddy forced his way into her dressing room and groped her. In another incident, she claims, he locked her in a car and only released her after her father traveled from Baltimore to New York to confront Diddy. During the confrontation, Richard says Diddy warned her father, “Think about your daughter and think about your daughter's career.”

The lawsuit also references an incident involving Cassie. Richard claims she saw Diddy, while under the influence of drugs, brutally throw Cassie against a wall, choke her, and drag her up the stairs of his Los Angeles home. She also claims Diddy threw a hot pan of eggs at Cassie.

Richard claims that when she and her Diddy – Dirty Money bandmate Kalenna Harper advised Cassie to leave Diddy, he retaliated. He allegedly told them, “You bitches don't interfere in my relationship… Just make money and shut up,” and threatened them with death: “I'm putting my careers on hold… You could be missed… You bitches want to die today.”

Diddy's legal team released a detailed statement to Complex:

“Mr. Combs is shocked and disappointed by this lawsuit. In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now constructed a series of false claims, all in the hopes of getting a payday – conveniently timed to coincide with the release of her album and press tour. If Ms. Richard had had such a negative experience with Making the Band and Danity Kane, she would not have chosen to continue working directly with Mr. Combs for Dirty Money, nor would she have returned for the 2020 reboot of Making the Band or agreed to appear on The Love Album last year. It is unfortunate that Ms. Richard gave up their 20-year friendship to try to get money from him, but Mr. Combs confidently stands by the truth and looks forward to proving it in court.”