It’s not a good time to be Diddy. The mogul has been arrested and denied bail. He’s entered a not guilty plea to the multiple sex trafficking charges that have been leveled at him. To make matters worse, public opinion on Diddy has never been, well, worse. Celebrities are coming out of the woodwork to criticize the Bad Boy founder, or to distance himself from his decades of alleged crimes. Diddy’s lawyer, however, has tried tirelessly to reframe the narrative. Marc Agnifilo addressed the infamous security video in which his client attacked ex-girlfriend, Cassie. He then tried to make a case against Cassie. Inner City Press shared Agnifilo’s statements on Twitter.
Agnifilo alleged that Cassie was actually the person who started the physical altercation. He accused the singer of striking Diddy in the head prior to running out into the hallway. “[It was] an issue that Mr. Combs had more than one girlfriend,” he told reporters. “Victim-1 was looking through his phone and saw that – then hit him in the head with a cellphone, and took his clothing.” Agnifilo didn’t try to defend Diddy’s actions in the hallway. He merely tried to provide context to make his client seem like less of an instigator. The allegations against Cassie didn’t stop there, however.
Agnifilo alleged that Cassie frequently cheated on Diddy during their time together. He went as far as to allege that Diddy hired the personal trainer that Cassie would eventually marry. “These two people were in love,” the lawyer claimed to the court. “Victim-1 ended up marrying the trainer that Mr. Combs got for her. They had been cheating on each other for years.” Marc Agnifilo concluded his allegations against Cassie by claiming that she looks upon her time with the mogul fondly. “Years later, she realized she had a good thing with Mr. Combs,” he stated.
The lawsuit that Cassie filed against Diddy in November 2023 suggests otherwise. The singer accused Diddy of raping and physically abusing her throughout their relationship. Diddy agreed to settle out of court a day after the lawsuit was filed. The footage of the hotel hallway assault exposed whatever sins Diddy tried to cover up by settling, however. The Bad Boy mogul’s reputation has never fully recovered. Cassie has yet to respond to Marc Agnifilo’s new allegations.
Diddy spent the night in federal custody, but one of his former collaborators has denied accusations laid against him. Diddy-Dirty Money member Kalenna Harper states she never saw him abuse former girlfriend Cassie, contrasting what the other member, Dawn Richard, alleges in a lawsuit.
According to TMZ, Kalenna is mentioned 33 times in the lawsuit, but denies the claims: “While I fully respect Dawn’s right to recount her experiences, I want to emphasize that her account reflects her personal perspective and should not be interpreted as a universal truth applicable to everyone involved.”
She added, “Many of the allegations and incidents described in this suit are not representative of my experiences, and some do not align with my own truth.”
Last week, Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team responded to a recent lawsuit filed against him by singer-songwriter Dawn Richard, alleging physical abuse and sexual assault. In a statement to Complex, Diddy is “shocked and disappointed” by the lawsuit, describing it as a “manufactured series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a payday.”
The lawsuit, reported by TMZ, accuses 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, resulting in 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 dress.
The accusations extend further. Richard alleged Diddy forcibly entered her dressing room and groped her. In another incident, she claims he locked her in a car and was 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, in which Richard claims she witnessed Diddy violently throwing Cassie against a wall, choking her, and dragging her upstairs at his Los Angeles home while under the influence of drugs. She also alleges an incident when 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. Allegedly, he told them, “Y’all bitches don’t get in my relationship … Just make money and shut the fuck up,” and threatened their lives, stating, “I shelve careers … You could be missing … You bitches want to die today.”
Diddy’s legal team released a full statement to Complex:
“Mr. Combs is shocked and disappointed by this lawsuit. In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day — conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour. If Ms. Richard 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 Making the Band reboot in 2020 or agreed to be featured on The Love Album last year. It’s unfortunate that Ms. Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him, but Mr. Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court.”
Although Diddy maintains his innocence, law enforcement have seemingly begun to investigate the claims. Back in March, Diddy’s Los Angeles and Miami homes were raided. Now, according to TMZ, Diddy is currently in federal custody in connection with the ongoing case.
So far, the only detail shared regarding his detainment is where it took place. The outlet claims Diddy was taken to the FBI’s (Federal Bureau of Investigation) field office in Manhattan, New York.
Marc Agnifilo, Diddy’s attorney, issued a statement regarding the matter to the outlet. Continue below to read.
We are disappointed with the decision to pursue what we believe is an unjust prosecution of Mr. Combs by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Sean “Diddy” Combs is a music icon, self-made entrepreneur, loving family man, and proven philanthropist who has spent the last 30 years building an empire, adoring his children, and working to uplift the Black community.
He is an imperfect person but Is not criminal. To his credit Mr. Combs has been nothing but cooperative with this investigation, and he voluntarily relocated to New York last week in anticipation of these charges. Please reserve your judgment until you have all the facts. These are the acts of an innocent man with nothing to hide, and he looks forward to clearing his name in court.
Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal team has responded to a recent lawsuit filed against him by singer-songwriter Dawn Richard, alleging physical abuse and sexual assault. In a statement to Complex, Diddy is “shocked and disappointed” by the lawsuit, describing it as a “manufactured series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a payday.”
The lawsuit, reported by TMZ, accuses 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, resulting in 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 dress.
The accusations extend further. Richard alleged Diddy forcibly entered her dressing room and groped her. In another incident, she claims he locked her in a car and was 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, in which Richard claims she witnessed Diddy violently throwing Cassie against a wall, choking her, and dragging her upstairs at his Los Angeles home while under the influence of drugs. She also alleges an incident when 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. Allegedly, he told them, “Y’all bitches don’t get in my relationship … Just make money and shut the fuck up,” and threatened their lives, stating, “I shelve careers … You could be missing … You bitches want to die today.”
Diddy’s legal team released a full statement to Complex:
“Mr. Combs is shocked and disappointed by this lawsuit. In an attempt to rewrite history, Dawn Richard has now manufactured a series of false claims all in the hopes of trying to get a pay day — conveniently timed to coincide with her album release and press tour. If Ms. Richard 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 Making the Band reboot in 2020 or agreed to be featured on The Love Album last year. It’s unfortunate that Ms. Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him, but Mr. Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court.”
Diddy is reportedly looking to downside his real estate portfolio. According to People, the former Revolt TV mogul has listed his now infamous Los Angeles, California home on the market for a whooping $61.5 million.
In the outlet’s exclusive report, it describes the Holmby Hills neighborhood mansion as a “17,000-square-foot home featuring 10 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms and a two-story guest house.”
Listing agent Kurt Rappaport shared a statement with People about the home’s underappreciate asset. “The property is located on the center of one of the best streets in Los Angeles,” he said.
However, an insider claimed that the desire to sell the home was actually motivated by other reasons. The sources said that Diddy doesn’t spend much time at the property. “[Diddy] lived in Miami as his primary residence for years and always planned to sell the home in L.A. once his daughters grew up and moved out,” said the individual.
Cassie Ventura, known simply as Cassie, emerged as a distinctive voice in the mid-2000s music scene. Born in New London, Connecticut, Cassie was discovered by producer Ryan Leslie and subsequently signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy Records. Her debut single, “Me & U,” catapulted her to fame, reaching the Top 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a defining track of the era.
Throughout her career, Cassie has also consistently showcased her ability to evolve. She has experimented with various musical styles while maintaining her signature vocals. Beyond music, Cassie has also made her mark in modeling and acting, further solidifying her status as a multi-talented artist. We’re exploring five essential songs encapsulating Cassie’s journey. Whether you’re revisiting her classics or discovering her work for the first time, these tracks provide a comprehensive look at what makes Cassie a standout artist.
1. “Me & U” (2006)
“Me & U” was the track that introduced Cassie to the world. Released in 2006 as the lead single from her debut album, Cassie, the song, produced by Ryan Leslie, became an instant hit. It climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated radio airwaves. With its minimalist beat and Cassie’s ethereal vocals, “Me & U” set the tone for her signature sound and established her as a fresh new voice in R&B.
Beyond its commercial success, “Me & U” became a cultural phenomenon. It is often referenced in media and covered by various artists. Its influence extended beyond just charts, with its music video featuring iconic choreography that became a staple in dance routines. The track’s success not only launched Cassie’s career but also emphasized her ability to create commercially viable and artistically influential music.
2. “Long Way 2 Go” (2006)
Following the success of “Me & U,” Cassie released “Long Way 2 Go” as the second single from her debut album. With a hook and confident lyrics, this track lets the singer show her lively and cheerful side. Ryan Leslie produced it, and it did well on various charts, peaking within the Top 20 positions in different countries. This further showed Cassie’s status as an upcoming star in the music industry.
Cassie’s unique style and charm were further highlighted in the “Long Way 2 Go” music video, which featured vigorous dance moves and maintained a smooth city look. Due to its energy and unforgettable production, it became one of Cassie’s most popular tracks. By coming up with another hit record, she demonstrated that her success was not limited to one song but represented an artist who could stay relevant over time within this cutthroat entertainment business.
In 2008, Cassie collaborated with Lil Wayne on “Official Girl,” a single that marked a significant moment in her career. The song, produced by Danja, features a mid-tempo beat complemented by Cassie’s signature breathy vocals. Lil Wayne’s guest verse added an extra layer of appeal, helping the song reach a wider audience. “Official Girl” delves into themes of love and commitment, with Cassie expressing a desire to define her relationship status.
The release of “Official Girl” came with a visually striking music video directed by Chris Robinson, which showcased Cassie’s evolving image and fashion-forward sensibility. The video featured high-end aesthetics, elaborate choreography, and a cameo by Lil Wayne. Although it didn’t achieve the same commercial success as her earlier hits, “Official Girl” remains an essential track in Cassie’s catalog, highlighting her ability to collaborate with top artists and maintain relevance in the ever-changing music terrain.
4. “King Of Hearts” (2012)
Unleashed in 2012, “King of Hearts” marked a bold departure from Cassie’s earlier work. The song, produced by J2 and written by Rob Ellmore, features a pulsating, electronic dance beat that diverges from her R&B roots. Cassie’s ethereal vocals float over the energetic production, creating a captivating and infectious track that reverberates with her fans and the dance music community.
The music video for “King of Hearts” was also equally innovative, featuring sleek visuals that perfectly matched the song’s electronic vibe. The video, directed by Christopher Sims, emphasized Cassie’s striking beauty and cutting-edge style. Despite not charting as high as her previous singles, “King of Hearts” was critically acclaimed and praised for its adventurous sound and bold production. This track exemplifies Cassie’s ability to reinvent herself and push the boundaries of her musical genre.
In 2017, Cassie made a strong comeback with “Love a Loser,” featuring rapper G-Eazy. This collaboration saw Cassie returning to her R&B roots while blending contemporary hip-hop and pop elements. The song’s reflective lyrics explore love, loss, and self-empowerment themes, with Cassie’s smooth vocals delivering a poignant performance. G-Eazy’s verse adds a contrasting dynamic, complementing Cassie’s style and enhancing the song’s appeal.
The release of “Love a Loser” was accompanied by a short film directed by Harrison Boyce, which provided a visual narrative to the song’s themes. The film showcased Cassie’s acting skills and added depth to the track, making it a multifaceted project. “Love a Loser” received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, praising Cassie’s vocal maturity and the song’s polished production. This track is an essential part of Cassie’s later career, highlighting her growth as an artist and her ability to stay relevant in the evolving music industry.
According to reports, Lady Gaga recently used her voice to get Diddy dropped from his New York law firm due to his ongoing sexual violence allegations. But that’s only partly true. Continue below for clarity.
Did Lady Gaga Force Diddy’s Law Firm To Drop Him?
Diddy (real name Sean Combs) is facing a mountain of legal issues. The former Revolt TV mogul has been named in several lawsuits that allege sexual assault, abuse, battery, and more, included in that pile are fillings from Cassie and Lil Rod. So, was Combs dropped as a client by a law firm he retained? According to Page Six, the answer is yes.
A spokesperson from Grubman, Shire, Meiselas & Sacks, exclusively confirmed that the New York firm no longer represent Combs. However, they denied Lady Gaga was involved in the decision to cut ties with Combs.
“The decision to part ways with Mr. Combs was proactively made by the partners in the firm a number of months ago, as they felt it was the right thing to do,” said the rep. “The report that the decision was the result of client pressure just isn’t true.”
Where did the rumor come from? On June 27, News Nation Now claimed to have received inside information regarding the matter.
“Lady Gaga said she was leaving (the firm) if they didn’t drop Diddy,” a source told the platform. “And she’s too big to lose.”
But this off the record exchange has since been refuted by someone close to Lady Gaga. “That convo never happened,” the contact told Page Six.
Now, officials in Miami Beach are taking matters into their own hands. According to the Miami Herald, on June 27, the city wide celebration, Sean Diddy Combs Day, was formally rescinded.
In 2016, then Mayor Philip Levine and the City Commission announced the decision to recognize, October 13, as the vanity holiday during the 3rd Revolt Music Conference. At the root of the decision to defunct the day, representatives cited the graphic video, in which Diddy is seen assaulting his ex-girlfriend and former Bad Boy Records singer Cassie.
The governing body behind the decision, the Miami Beach Commission, released a statement shortly after.
“Upon reflection, the Mayor and City Commission have determined that recognizing October 13, 2016 as ’Sean Diddy Combs Day’ is no longer in harmony with the City’s values of safety,” read the note. “Community well-being, and respect, and wish to rescind the proclamation.”
Diddy has not issued a statement regarding the matter.
Although Diddy is not a native of Miami Beach, he does own property in the city and has spent a great deal of time between there and his other home in Los Angeles. In March, both properties were raided by Homeland Security, reportedly in connection with a sex trafficking investigation. During the Los Angeles raid, Diddy’s sons Justin and Christian were supposedly detained by officials, then later released.
Diddy made another questionable move on June 21. The disgraced music mogul deleted all the posts from his Instagram, including his apology video to Cassie. The decision sparked lots of speculation, with some positing that it may be a tactic to avoid further legal troubles. Others interpreted Diddy’s decision as him taking back his apology to Cassie. The backlash grew so quickly that a representative for Diddy issued a statement clarifying that Diddy stands by his apology. This statement wasn’t good enough for Stephen A Smith, however.
The sports analyst took Diddy’s decision and ran with it during the June 25 episode of his podcast. He took Diddy to task for wiping his IG feed and refusing to leave the apology video up, in particular. “If you had a million photos,” Stephen A Smith stated. “And you decided to delete 999,999 of them, that’s the one you should’ve kept up. If you’re sincere. You got 20 million followers on Instagram.” Smith made it clear that he was baffled by Diddy’s decision, given how it’s been interpreted. “Why did you delete that video of the apology,” he asked. “Don’t you want people to know that you were contrite.”
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) June 25, 2024
The rant continues from there. Stephen A Smith laid out the different ways in which deleting the video makes Diddy look worse. “By deleting the video,” he asserted. “You throw all of that out the window. The possibility of the very few people who would ever believe that.” SAS then turned his focus towards the Diddy PR team. “Who are your PR people,” he yelled. “Who are these people? Where is the advice?” He then proceeded to give his advice as to how the Bad Boy founder should have handled the situation.
Unsurprisingly, Smith would have told the mogul to leave the apology video up. “I’d have said never delete your account and never delete that video,” he explained. “Leave that up forever. Because that was you apologizing. And owning up to your transgression. You deleting it from your account… that wasn’t smart.” The final dagger Stephen A Smith delivered was aimed squarely at Diddy. “It comes across,” he opined. “As you wanting to erase everything as opposed to you wanting to be accountable for everything.”
Diddy made a confusing decision on June 21. The Bad Boy mogul decided to delete all of his posts on Instagram. The speculation as to why was overshadowed, though, by the fact that his apology video to Cassie was one of the posts deleted. Fans quickly honed in on this decision, and questioned whether it meant Diddy takes back the statements he made in the video. It didn’t take long for Diddy’s reps to get on the horn with TMZ and attempt straighten things out.
Diddy’s reps told TMZ that he stands by the apology. The outlet was told that the mogul was not taking a shot at Cassie by removing the video. The rep cited the deletion of all Diddy’s Instagram posts as proof. They then went on to tell TMZ that the apology video already served its purpose. “Diddy’s apology was seen around the world,” the outlet wrote. “and “[It] got published/broadcast everywhere — so everyone’s seen it, and it exists forever. In terms of how feels. We’re told Diddy meant what he said in that clip, and that stands even today.” In short, Diddy reportedly meant what he said, and still does.
The clarification did not stop there. The mogul’s reps claimed that the decision to wipe the IG account is not a strategic one. TMZ was told the decision was made spontaneously, and doesn’t have a significance beyond Diddy wanting a clean feed. It’s admittedly hard to take the mogul at his word, given the various crimes and incidents he’s denied. He was adamant that was innocent when Cassie filed a lawsuit against him for abuse. Then, the video of Diddy assaulting Cassie in a hotel lobby surfaced on CNN.
The mogul’s apology was criticized even before its deletion. A member of the form representing Cassie, Hillary Povar, dismissed it outright to Fox 11. “It wasn’t about her,” she claimed. “It wasn’t about what he did wrong, and I think that’s where we see a lot of things go wildly off course from a PR perspective.” Povar also emphasized the importance of legal action over internet “cancelation.” “It’s just ineffective in terms of really dealing with what the actual issue is.”
