Sean (Diddy) Combs sued by former child actor for alleged sexual assault

WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it.

Sean (Diddy) Combs is being sued by an unnamed former child actor who alleges Combs sexually assaulted him at a Hollywood networking event in May 2007.

The disgraced hip-hop mogul is currently serving a 50-month sentence in federal prison after being convicted on prostitution-related charges. 

Here’s what we know. 

What are the allegations?

According to a legal document obtained by CBC News, at a 2007 event in the Hollywood Hills, Combs allegedly told the young actor — who filed the lawsuit as JOHN YH ROE — that he thought he’d be a good candidate for an upcoming project he was producing.

The lawsuit alleges that Combs then asked to speak with him privately about “some potential opportunities” before leading him to a backroom and shutting the door.

There, Combs allegedly offered the minor some of his alcoholic beverage before beginning to touch him, despite the actor communicating “he did not feel comfortable with the way Defendant Combs was touching him.”

It’s then alleged that Combs pulled down the young actor’s pants and underwear, before performing oral sex on the minor while touching himself.

The civil complaint does not specify the plaintiff’s age at the time of the alleged encounter but notes that “at all times relevant, and in or around May 2007, Plaintiff was a minor child under the age of 18.”

The plaintiff, who is also suing his former agents who were representing him at the time, filed the complaint on June 8 and is requesting a civil jury trial.

What does Combs’s team say?

CBC News reached out to Combs’s representatives, who provided a statement denying the allegations.

“This is a lie and completely made up. Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone,” wrote Juda S. Engelmayer, a spokesperson for Combs.

“These allegations will be disproven like all of the rest. He is going to pursue all avenues he can to defend himself and make sure those who start and spread lies are held responsible.”

Why is Combs in prison?

Last year, Combs was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and is currently serving a sentence of more than four years at New Jersey’s Fort Dix federal prison.

He was convicted by a jury of two counts of violating the Mann Act but acquitted on more serious charges of racketeering, conspiracy and sex trafficking.

The investigation into Combs largely stemmed from his “freak-off” sex parties, where prosecutors alleged some people were forced to participate against their will.

The ruling attracted considerable media attention at the time, including speculation — and criticism— around the relatively light sentence he received.

In late 2023, former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, who served as a key witness at the federal trial, sued Combs for rape and physical abuse. The lawsuit was settled.

Since then, he’s been sued by several people but continually denies wrongdoing in civil suits.

Combs made attempts to shorten his sentence, including asking U.S. President Donald Trump for a pardon.

Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services through this Government of Canada website or the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database. ​​If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.