In a significant legal development, Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a wave of lawsuits, including a high-profile $60 million sexual harassment suit filed by Sara Rivers, a singer from his TV show Making The Band. The lawsuit comes in the wake of the closing of a “lookback window” under New York City’s Gender Motivated Violence Act, allowing individuals to bring forth claims related to past instances of gender-based violence.
Rivers’ complaint, filed in federal court in New York on February 28, 2025, alleges that her experience on Making The Band resulted in “extreme emotional distress impacting nearly every aspect of [her] life and personal relationships.” The allegations outlined in the suit paint a disturbing picture of her time on the show, claiming she was subjected to “inhumane” treatment, which included strict control over her eating and sleeping schedules, being forced to share a room with male contestants despite being married, and being made to perform uncompensated manual labor. Furthermore, Rivers asserts that she faced ridicule regarding her appearance.
The lawsuit also alleges that Diddy interfered with Rivers’ music career long after her time on the show, claiming he sabotaged multiple record deals she was pursuing. Among the most troubling allegations are claims of sexual harassment and assault, including a specific incident where Rivers asserts that Diddy inappropriately touched her while making suggestive comments.
Diddy’s legal team has responded to the lawsuit, labeling it as yet another instance of “false claims” being made against him. In a statement provided to HipHopDX, they expressed confidence in Diddy’s innocence, stating, “No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone—man or woman, adult or minor.” They further argued that the timing of the lawsuit, coinciding with the approaching deadline for claims under the Gender Motivated Violence Act, suggests that “opportunists are rushing to file last-minute, meritless claims.”
This lawsuit is not the only legal challenge facing Diddy. The case includes allegations from Courtney Burgess, a grand jury witness, and media conglomerate Nexstar, which is accused of broadcasting fabricated claims against him without proper diligence. Burgess has made sensational allegations, claiming to possess videos of Diddy committing sexual assault, including against minors, and suggesting that these materials were provided to him by Diddy’s late former partner, Kim Porter.
As these legal battles unfold, they add to Diddy’s ongoing struggles with various allegations and lawsuits, including claims of sexual assault and misconduct from multiple parties. The landscape of the music industry continues to evolve, with artists increasingly coming forward to share their experiences and seek accountability for past abuses.
The implications of Rivers’ lawsuit and the surrounding legal actions extend beyond Diddy himself, as they reflect a broader cultural shift in how allegations of misconduct are addressed within the entertainment industry. The heightened scrutiny and willingness of individuals to speak out against powerful figures signal a growing demand for transparency and justice.
As this situation develops, it remains to be seen how Diddy and his legal team will navigate these serious allegations and what impact they may have on his career and legacy. The outcome of these lawsuits could set significant precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly in the realm of the music industry, where power dynamics often complicate issues of accountability.
