Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs accusers could testify before grand jury
A development has been made in the ongoing case brought against hip-hop mogul Sean ‘Diddy‘ Combs, as it has been alleged that he may soon stand before a grand jury.
Since November last year, Combs has been named in eight separate civil lawsuits that have accused him of sexual abuse, rape and assault. Combs has strenuously denied all charges of wrongdoing made against him, which he has labelled as “sickening”, stating, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family and for the truth.”
As the active cases are currently civil, this wouldn’t lead to Combs serving any jail time, even if he was found to be guilty. However, now CNN are alleging that the US Justice Department are plotting to bring Combs in-front of a grand jury as they seek an indictment of the musician.
The investigation, which has been ongoing for six months, remains in the gathering evidence stage and according to CNN, an indictment will only be brought forward if they believe the case is “bulletproof”.
For more background on the role of grand juries, they consist of regular citizens and have the power to vote on whether suspects should face criminal charges. If Combs was to face a grand jury, this would mark an upswing in the severity of the ongoing investigation into the rapper.
According to the publication, many of the alleged victims have already spoken to investigators and “actively cooperating” with police.
Diddy has denied all of the allegations made against him relating to the ongoing civil lawsuits. However, he recently apologised after footage emerged that showed Combs in a towel running through the hallways of a hotel and attacking Cassie Ventura, which he claimed was an isolated incident.
The musician took to social media to accept “full responsibility” for the attack after footage was viewed by millions. “I was disgusted when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he says in the video. The rapper also described the period as “the darkest times” in his life.
Combs also admitted that “my behaviour in that video is inexcusable”, and said he “takes full responsibility for my actions in that video” which he claimed occurred when he “hit rock bottom”.
Additionally, he was also accused of sexually assaulting and drugging model Crystal McKinney in 2003, who alleges that she was forced to perform oral sex on him at his recording studio in New York City. Combs is yet to comment on this accusation.
This is a developing story.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.