Rap mogul Sean Combs sued for sex trafficking, sexual assault

NEW YORK — Superstar rapper and music industry mogul Sean Combs has been sued by a former adult film star for sexual assault and sex trafficking, court documents show.

Combs is the target of several civil lawsuits that characterize him as a violent sexual predator who used alcohol and drugs to subdue his victims, and his homes were raided earlier in 2024 by federal agents.

The hip-hop artist, known as Puff Daddy or Diddy, used actress Adria English as a “sexual pawn for the pleasure and financial benefit of others” at his lavish “White Parties” in the Hamptons and Florida between 2004 and 2009, the complaint alleges.

The latest lawsuit, filed in Manhattan on July 3, brings to nine the number of claims against Combs since November 2023.

“Given all the courageous individuals who have come forward against Defendant Combs, (English) does the same,” the complaint states.

According to his complaint, English is seeking a jury trial and undisclosed damages.

“As a result of these numerous lawsuits filed against Defendant Combs alleging the same or similar acts, there is now a growing awareness that Defendant Combs engaged in acts far more sinister than previously believed, including physical abuse and sex trafficking,” the complaint states.

In March, armed agents raided Combs' sprawling luxury properties in Miami and Los Angeles, a high-profile bicoastal operation that suggested an investigation into the rapper was underway.

Disturbing surveillance video emerged in May showing Combs physically assaulting his then-girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, corroborating allegations she made in a lawsuit now settled in late 2023.

Ventura sued Combs in federal court last fall, a shocking lawsuit that was settled out of court but was followed by a series of equally lurid sexual assault claims against the hip-hop star.

Combs has vehemently denied all charges against him. His lawyer did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment on the latest trial.