In a shocking turn of events, a former singer linked to Sean Diddy Combs has filed a lawsuit against the music mogul, alleging years of abuse that included groping and intimidation.
This revelation comes as Sunrise Richard, who gained fame through MTV’s “Making the Band,” seeks justice in Manhattan court.
Richard’s lawsuit, submitted on Tuesday, adds to the growing list of allegations against Combs, suggesting that he fostered an environment rife with danger and misconduct during her time in the industry.
She claims that Combs not only exposed her but also others around him to a toxic atmosphere filled with threats and substance abuse while they worked under his direction.
The singer, who rose to prominence as a member of the girl group Danity Kane and later as part of Combs’ band Diddy Dirty Money, is seeking millions in damages.
Richard argues that she has suffered financial losses, physical harm, emotional pain, and severe mental distress due to her experiences with Combs.
In response to the lawsuit, representatives for Combs expressed their shock and disappointment at Richard’s claims.
They accused her of trying to rewrite history and suggested that her allegations were strategically timed to coincide with the release of her new album and promotional tour.
They argued that if her experiences had truly been as damaging as she describes, she wouldn’t have continued to collaborate with Combs for so long.
Combs’ team further noted that he had participated in projects with Richard as recently as last year, including being featured on her Love Album and appearing in a reboot of “Making the Band” in 2020.
They lamented that Richard would tarnish their two-decade friendship in pursuit of financial gain, asserting that Combs stands firmly by the truth and is eager to defend himself in court.
According to the lawsuit, Richard alleges that she witnessed Combs repeatedly mistreat his girlfriend and long-time collaborator, Cassie Ventura.
The complaint details incidents that instilled fear in Richard for her own safety while she worked tirelessly on music projects, often without adequate food or rest.
Richard recounts that Combs exhibited erratic behavior, throwing objects like phones and studio equipment during fits of rage.
She claims that she witnessed him physically assaulting Ventura, raising serious concerns about the culture of violence surrounding Combs.
The lawsuit references a troubling video that surfaced in May 2016, showing Combs physically attacking Cassie.
This incident drew significant media scrutiny and led to a federal investigation, following a lawsuit Cassie filed against him, which was settled quickly after it was made public.
Now, Richard joins a chorus of voices from the #MeToo movement within the music industry, sharing her harrowing experiences in hopes of finding justice.
She states that her story is part of a broader narrative of survivors coming forward to shed light on the abuses they endured.
The court documents allege that Combs subjected Richard to verbal abuse, making derogatory comments about her appearance and demanding that she undress in front of him and others.
This dehumanizing treatment reportedly occurred multiple times, creating a hostile environment for Richard.
During a performance trip to Glasgow in 2010, Richard claims that Combs made inappropriate gestures towards her, further illustrating the alleged misconduct that permeated her professional life.
She asserts that those in Combs’ circle, including employees from record labels, witnessed his abusive behavior and should be held accountable.
As this case unfolds, it raises critical questions about the treatment of women in the music industry and the power dynamics that often allow such behavior to persist unchecked.
Richard’s courageous decision to speak out adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about accountability and change within the entertainment world.
