Update: Nov. 17, 2023 at 2:24 PM:
The NYPD is not investigating Sean Combs for sexual assault, despite earlier reports that he was under criminal investigation.
In a statement to The Blast, the NYPD clarified its claim that there was a criminal case with Combs’s name on it.
The NYPD claims an employee “erroneously” mentioned the case to a reporter without confirming the information.
“Yesterday, a member of the NYPD’s public information office erroneously told a reporter about the apparent existence of an active case file containing the name ‘Sean Combs.’ There is no such investigation, at present. Further, the release of such information is not consistent with the internal policies of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information.”
The NYPD still urged victims to come forward – if there are any.
“The NYPD always treats allegations of sexual assault and rape extremely seriously and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a police report so that support and services can be offered to survivors and a comprehensive investigation can be conducted.”
The news comes as Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit in Manhattan federal court on Thursday, Nov. 16.
The Complaint alleges that Cassie was trafficked, raped, and viciously beaten by Combs on many occasions over a decade.
The abuse allegedly started when Cassie was just 19 and Combs was 37. She was signed to Combs’ Bad Boy Records label as a recording artist.
The lawsuit alleges Combs plied Cassie with drugs and alcohol, and took control of all aspects of her life, from her healthcare to her career opportunities, making her completely dependent on him.
Combs, 55, allegedly forced the aspiring singer to perform s*xual intercourse with male prostitutes who he hired. He allegedly directed her to engage in s*x acts while he masturbated and recorded their encounters.
Over the years, Cassie tried repeatedly to escape Combs’ hold over her. But he always dragged her back to him by threatening her career or using threats of violence towards Cassie and others.
The Complaint describes Combs as a serial domestic abuser, who would regularly punch and kick Cassie, leaving her with black eyes and bruises, which were observed by Combs’ friends and associates. But no one lifted a finger to help her.
Cassie, 37, has medical records and, in at least one case, a police report to back up her claims.
The Complaint also alleges human trafficking, and claims Combs blew up rapper Kid Cudi’s car because he slept with Cassie.
According to the Complaint, before Cassie left Combs for good, he broke into her home and raped her in the fall of 2018.
The NYPD is reportedly looking for other victims to step up and file a report against Combs.
Law enforcement officials in other cities are also allegedly investigating crimes committed in their jurisdictions.
In her complaint, Cassie alleged crimes occurred in Miami, Beverly Hills, New York and Los Angeles, where Combs currently lives with 2 of his five children.
Cassie filed the federal lawsuit in New York because Combs lived there at the time the alleged crimes were committed.
The lawsuit lists Bad Boy Records, and other companies and entities affiliated with Combs as defendants.
Cassie said in a statement issued on Thursday:
“After years in silence and darkness, I am finally ready to tell my story, and to speak up on behalf of myself and for the benefit of other women who face violence and abuse in their relationships. With the expiration of New York’s Adult Survivors Act fast approaching, it became clear that this was an opportunity to speak up about the trauma I have experienced and that I will be recovering from for the rest of my life.”
Combs vigorously denied the allegations in a statement issued by his attorney Ben Brafman.
In response to Combs denials, Cassie’s attorney Douglas Wigdor said:
“Mr. Comb’s offered Ms. Ventura eight figures to silence her and prevent the filing of this lawsuit. She rejected his efforts and decided to give a voice to all woman who suffer in silence. Ms. Ventura should be applauded for her bravery.”
