Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is facing a $60 million lawsuit filed by Sara Rivers, a former contestant from ‘Making the Band,’ who accuses him of sexual harassment, physical abuse, and creating a hostile work environment. Rivers’ lawsuit details incidents of intimidation and control over her personal life. Combs’ representative has dismissed the allegations as false and opportunistic. This lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal troubles for Combs, including multiple new complaints and serious charges stemming from previous accusations.
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Faces New Legal Battle
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, aged 55, is embroiled in yet another legal dispute. On February 28, Sara Rivers, a former contestant on his MTV series ‘Making the Band’ and a member of the music group Da Band, reportedly filed a lawsuit against the renowned music mogul for a staggering 60 million dollars. This development was highlighted by ‘People’ magazine.
Allegations of Harassment and Abuse
In her extensive 148-page lawsuit, Rivers alleges that Combs subjected her to sexual harassment, physical harm, and forced her to endure ‘inhumane’ working conditions. The lawsuit lists over two dozen defendants, including major entities like Universal Music, MTV, Bad Boy Records, and Combs’ mother, Janice.
Rivers specifically recounts an incident in which Combs allegedly confronted her in a hallway, pressing her against a wall. She claims he leaned in close, speaking in a ‘deep, sensual voice’ to inquire about her well-being, while inappropriately adjusting her jacket collar and touching her. Furthermore, she asserts that he made ‘physical threats’ against other group members, including alarming statements about violence.
Additionally, Rivers describes Combs’ behavior as ‘aggressive and abusive,’ claiming it contributed to an intolerable work environment. She alleges he controlled her eating and sleeping patterns and mocked her struggle with bulimia. Despite appearing on ‘Making the Band’ for three seasons, Rivers states that she and her fellow band members received a mere ‘flat fee of 5,000 dollars per show and per person.’
‘Making the Band’ aired from 2000 to 2009 and documented the journeys of various musical groups. The Da Band, featuring Rivers, was prominent in the show from 2002 to 2004, during which she was reportedly pressured into signing a contract.
A spokesperson for Combs has refuted the allegations, labeling them as ‘another example of false claims.’ They assert that no amount of litigation will alter the reality that Mr. Combs has never assaulted anyone, regardless of gender or age. The spokesperson also accuses Rivers of filing her lawsuit in haste, coinciding with the impending deadline for a New York law addressing gender-motivated violence, suggesting a trend of unfounded claims being filed at the last moment.
In addition to Rivers’ lawsuit, 14 new complaints against Combs were reported on February 28, featuring both men and women among the plaintiffs. Since November 2023, Combs has faced a series of allegations ranging from sexual abuse to physical violence, following public accusations from his former partner, Cassie Ventura. In September 2024, he was arrested in New York on serious charges, including extortion and sexual exploitation, and has remained in custody since. His trial is anticipated to commence in May 2025, with multiple lawsuits, including one from a male escort, adding to his legal troubles. Notably, Diddy’s legal representation also resigned in February 2025, and his bail requests have consistently been denied.