Diddy faces new lawsuit alleging sexual assault in 2003

Sean “Diddy” Combs, the embattled hip-hop mogul, is once again in legal trouble. A former model, Crystal McKinney, has filed a lawsuit accusing him of sexual assault. The alleged incident occurred in 2003 at Combs’ New York City recording studio. Let’s delve into the details of this latest legal challenge.

Crystal McKinney, a successful 22-year-old model at the time, met Combs during Men’s Fashion Week in Manhattan. According to the federal complaint filed in New York City, McKinney arrived to find Combs socializing with several other men, drinking, and smoking joints.

Related: Diddy faces decades-old sexual assault lawsuit: Seeks dismissal

She smoked marijuana, which she later realized was laced with a narcotic or intoxicating substance. Feeling disoriented, McKinney followed Combs to the bathroom, where the alleged sexual assault took place. Afterward, she lost consciousness and woke up in a taxi, realizing she had been sexually assaulted.

This lawsuit comes on the heels of other controversies involving Combs. In 2016, security video footage showed him attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway. Combs publicly apologized for the incident, but he faced no criminal prosecution due to the statute of limitations. Cassie had also filed a lawsuit alleging beatings and abuse, which was settled shortly after being filed. 

The lawsuit filed by McKinney falls under a New York City law that allows accusers to file civil litigation even if the events allegedly happened long ago. Combs’ representatives have not yet responded to the allegations. It’s important to note that the Associated Press typically refrains from naming individuals who report sexual abuse unless they come forward publicly, as McKinney has done.

As the legal battle unfolds, the music industry watches closely. Combs, a prominent figure in hip-hop, faces serious allegations that could impact his reputation and career. The outcome of this lawsuit remains uncertain, but it sheds light on the importance of addressing sexual assault allegations and seeking justice for survivors.