Sean Combs, Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Diddy. Diddy... or didn't he?

Amid the current whirlwind of controversial allegations that surround Sean Combs, the backdrop to his behaviour has a prolonged history of allegations of domestic violence and abuse dating back to the 90’s.

In November 2023, Cassandra Ventura ‘Cassie’ made explosive allegations against the rapper, claiming that he had physically, sexually and psychologically abused her, including beating her, raping her and forcing her to have sex with other men which were widely reported in the media. Since then, more allegations have emerged from 8 more women and 2 men alleging a range of abusive behaviours including sexual harassment, rape, non-consensual pornography and sex trafficking.

Cassie alleges that after she met Combs in 2005 when she was 19 and he was 37,  the rapper controlled nearly every aspect of her life, from her career to her personal involvement with medical professionals and her medical records. She claims he was frequently violent and plied her with drugs. A video emerged online apparently dating back to 2016, which appears to show Sean Combs assaulting and verbally abusing Cassie. Cassie is reported as saying domestic violence ‘broke me down to someone I never thought I would become.’

Domestic abuse and violence is never acceptable in whatever form it takes, or by whomever it is perpetrated by. Everyone has a basic human right to live free from domestic abuse.

Domestic Abuse, also known as domestic violence or intimate partner violence, is defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence. 

These behaviours can sometimes be obvious, however, it can be difficult to identify behaviours within a relationship, but if you or any one you know if being subjected to domestic abuse,  please contact the Domestic Violence and Abuse Department (DVAD) for expert advice as to what protective measures are available, either by clicking on the links, or by telephoning Johnson Astills on 0116 255 4855.