33°
The two civil lawsuits were filed against Combs on Monday, Oct. 28, according to a report by ABC News.
The outlet reported that the first of the lawsuits alleges that the parents of a 10-year-old boy beginning a music career brought him to New York from Los Angeles to meet with Combs so he could meet people in the industry. Once there, Combs allegedly told the family's consultant that he wished to meet with the boy alone.
During the meeting, which happened in a hotel room, the boy performed several rap songs for Combs, who then said he could make him a star, according to ABC News, which reported the following from the lawsuit complaint:
"Combs asked Plaintiff how badly he wanted to be a star, and what Plaintiff would do to get to be one. Plaintiff responded, as might any ten-year-old child, that he would do anything," the lawsuit reads, also alleging that someone else present then gave the boy a soda that made him feel "a little funny," ABC News reported.
The outlet also reported more of the lawsuit text: "After Plaintiff consumed his soda and began feeling its effects, Combs told Plaintiff to move closer to him, which Plaintiff did. Combs then abruptly pushed Plaintiff down and said words to the effect of 'you have to do some stuff you don't want to do sometimes.'" The document goes on to describe a sexual assault, according to ABC.
A second lawsuit also filed on Monday accuses Combs of groping and fondling a 17-year-old during a three-day audition for a reality show called "Making the Band" while allegedly telling the victim he wanted to see how he would "handle situations involving sexual pressure," ABC News reported.
During separate interviews, Combs allegedly forced the teen to perform oral sex on both him and a bodyguard. When the victim hesitated to do so with the bodyguard, he was eliminated from the show, the lawsuit alleges.
ABC reported a statement given by Combs' defense attorneys:
"As we’ve said before, Mr. Combs cannot respond to every new publicity stunt, even in response to claims that are facially ridiculous or demonstrably false...In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr. Combs never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone -- man or woman, adult or minor."
Click here to read the full report by ABC News.
Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon, was arrested on Tuesday morning, Sept. 17, and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation for purposes of prostitution.
According to federal officials, beginning as far back as 2008, Combs ran a criminal enterprise that involved sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice.
As part of this business, Combs would allegedly force women to engage in frequent days-long sexual activity with male commercial sex workers that he referred to as "Freak Offs." To make sure his victims participated in these "Freak Offs," Combs would use violence and intimidation to leverage his power over them. This leverage was obtained by distributing narcotics to victims, exploiting his financial support to them, and threatening to cut off this support. He would also control their careers, federal officials said.
Combs also faces several lawsuits by victims alleging sexual assault and other abuse, including 120 people with various accusations represented by Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee, according to reports.
Another lawsuit came from Combs' ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, which was settled within a day. In May 2024, a video leaked depicting Combs allegedly attacking Ventura in 2016.
Combs's trial will begin on Monday, May 5.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Greenlawn-Centerport and receive free news updates.
