Former assistant accuses Sean Combs of orchestrating drug-fueled escapades

A new lawsuit filed Monday accuses embattled music mogul Sean Combs of orchestrating “drug-fueled sexual escapades” called “Wild King Nights” and forcing a male employee to perform a sex act to prove his loyalty.

Plaintiff Phillip Pines, who says he worked as Combs’ executive assistant from December 2019 to December 2021, claims in his 32-page complaint that Combs demanded he procure illegal drugs, sex toys and other “party provisions” during days-long gatherings at various properties and hotels. Pines alleges he was required to clean the rooms afterward, removing evidence such as “blood, urine, and other bodily fluids” to avoid additional hotel charges and to prevent housekeepers from reporting anything.

According to the lawsuit, Pines also was responsible for maintaining a black Gucci bag — referred to as the “MVP bag” — allegedly filled with party supplies including marijuana joints, honey packs for male libido, erectile dysfunction medication, Plan B pills, and “power banger sex machines.” Pines says he was often forced to wait outside hotel rooms until invited in, exposing him to graphic scenes he claims were “unwillingly witnessed.”

In one alleged instance, Combs is accused of sexually battering Pines by massaging him and demanding he take a shot of tequila before pushing him onto a female guest. Pines claims Combs urged him to “show loyalty to the King” by engaging in a sexual act in Combs’ presence. Fearing termination and professional blacklisting, Pines complied for several moments before stopping and leaving the room upset, the lawsuit says.

Combs’ attorneys, however, forcefully denied all allegations in a statement to the media:

“No matter how many lawsuits are filed, it won’t change the fact that Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone — man or woman, adult or minor. We live in a world where anyone can file a lawsuit for any reason. Fortunately, a fair and impartial judicial process exists to find the truth, and Mr. Combs is confident he will prevail in court.”

This latest civil complaint comes amid a growing list of legal troubles for Combs, who has pleaded not guilty to separate racketeering and sex trafficking charges filed in September. He remains detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn after being denied bail three times, with a judge citing concerns about potential witness tampering. His trial is scheduled for May 2025.

According to the lawsuit, Pines also witnessed instances of violence by Combs, including an alleged incident in which Combs kicked a guest in the buttocks and stomach. Pines further claims Combs infected an unnamed celebrity with COVID-19 during a birthday trip to Turks and Caicos in 2020.

Combs’ arrest and subsequent detention followed a flurry of complaints, notably from ex-partner Casandra “Cassie” Ventura, whose 2023 lawsuit spurred the criminal investigation. While Cassie and Combs reached a settlement one day after her filing, more than three dozen others have since come forward with their own civil claims.

Despite the mounting legal battles, Combs maintains his innocence. His representatives continue to deny all claims of sexual misconduct and wrongdoing.

Eddie Levert's Daughter, Ryan, Dies at 22 After Lupus Battle

Eddie Levert with daughter Ryan on their Instagram Live show, "In Our Opinion."

Ryan Levert, daughter of the legendary O'Jays singer Eddie Levert, has tragically passed away at the young age of 22.

Ryan's niece, Carlysia Levert, daughter of Eddie's late son Gerald Levert, confirmed the heartbreaking news on her Instagram Story. She shared several photos of Ryan, along with the caption, "Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers for my family. Please send extra love up for my papa and nana." Carlysia also reposted a report indicating that Ryan had been battling lupus, an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues.

We are devastated over the heartbreaking passing of Ryan Levert. An angel among us, who has returned to heaven.

Please respect the family’s need for privacy right now and hold them in your prayers.

— The O'Jays (@themightyojays) December 23, 2024

This devastating loss marks the third time Eddie Levert has experienced the unimaginable pain of losing a child. Gerald Levert, a renowned R&B singer who performed with his father and as part of the group LSG, died in 2006 at the age of 40. Eddie's younger son, Sean Levert, also passed away in 2008 at the age of 39.

The official Twitter account for The Mighty O'Jays confirmed the news, expressing their condolences: "We are saddened to hear about the passing of Eddie Levert's daughter, Ryan Levert. Our prayers and condolences go out to Eddie Levert and his family during this difficult time."

I was 💔 heartbroken to learn that Eddie Levert’s 22-yr-old daughter, Ryan, passed from Lupus this weekend.
I’m so sorry Eddie, but I know how strong your faith is. May God’s comforting hands bring you and your family Joy in the morning.

RIP Ryan 🙏🏽🕊️https://t.co/O8fvfd2ER0

— Donnie Simpson (@DonnieSimpson) December 23, 2024

Eddie Levert, known for his powerful vocals and soulful performances with The O'Jays, has faced immense grief throughout his career. In a 2011 interview with The Cleveland Plain Dealer, he shared his struggle to comprehend the loss of his sons, saying, "I wish I could tell you that I had a sense of why, but I don't. I still wonder: Was it something I did? Maybe that's why I've made so many changes in my life, to better myself and try to be a better father, a better husband, a better friend. Maybe that's the reason why: for me to come to a better place. But I can't dwell on it. It becomes very emotional for me. I really miss them. It's just hard. But I can't get caught up in the fact that it wasn't supposed to be like this, because it happened. And there was nothing I could do about it."

Lupus is a chronic and complex condition that affects individuals differently. Symptoms can range from skin rashes and joint pain to severe complications involving vital organs like the kidneys and heart.

Eddie Levert's musical journey began in Canton, Ohio, where he honed his vocal talents in the church choir and school plays. He co-founded The O'Jays, a group that would achieve immense success with hits like "Love Train" and "Use ta Be My Girl." The O'Jays have released ten Gold albums, nine of which went Platinum, and have charted ten No. 1 hits.

Levert's sons, Gerald and Sean, followed in his musical footsteps, forming the R&B group LeVert. Gerald also achieved success as a solo artist and as a member of the supergroup LSG with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill.

Ryan was also featured in a fun podcast, The Levert Opinion, with her father and nephew, LeMicah Levert. LeMicah shared a heartfelt tribute to his aunt on Instagram, describing her as "the sweetest and kindest person" he knew. He expressed his deep sorrow and the void left by her passing. This further underscores the deep family ties and the profound impact of Ryan's passing on those who knew and loved her.

Prince Among Honorees for 2025 Lifetime Achievement Grammy

The Recording Academy has announced that Prince, the legendary artist who reshaped contemporary
music, will posthumously receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 Special Merit Awards Ceremony. The event, set for February 1 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles during Grammy Week, will honor Prince's enduring influence on global music.

Born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Prince was a musical prodigy, mastering instruments by age seven and recording his first demo at 17. His innovative blend of funk, rock, R&B, and pop, along with his bold fashion and electrifying performances, made him a global icon. Albums like "1999," "Purple Rain," and "Sign o' the Times" became cultural touchstones.

"Purple Rain," released in 1984, earned Prince an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and produced classics like "When Doves Cry." The accompanying film solidified his reputation as a charismatic performer and storyteller.

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A post shared by Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@recordingacademy)

Prince's fight for artistic freedom was as renowned as his music. His refusal to conform to industry standards led him to build Paisley Park Studios, where he could produce music independently. In the 1990s, he famously adopted an unpronounceable symbol as his name, protesting Warner Bros.' control over his catalog. This act spotlighted issues of artistic ownership, inspiring musicians to assert their rights.

Beyond his solo work, Prince penned hits for artists like Sinéad O'Connor ("Nothing Compares 2 U") and The Bangles ("Manic Monday"). His mentorship and collaborations left a lasting imprint across genres.

Prince passed away on April 21, 2016, at 57, but his legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide.

Other recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Frankie Beverly of Maze, The Clash, Dr. Bobby Jones, Taj Mahal, Roxanne Shante, and Frankie Valli. Trustees Awards will be presented to Erroll Garner, Glyn Johns, and Tania León, with Dr. Leo Beranek receiving the Technical Grammy Award.

Sponsored by Budweiser, the Special Merit Awards Ceremony is a highlight of Grammy Week, leading up to the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

2025 Special Merit Awards Honorees:

Lifetime Achievement Award:
Prince
Frankie Beverly (Maze)
The Clash
Dr. Bobby Jones
Taj Mahal
Roxanne Shante
Frankie Valli (The Four Seasons)

Trustees Awards:
Erroll Garner
Glyn Johns
Tania León

Technical Grammy Award:
Dr. Leo Beranek

Chic's Alfa Anderson, Disco Star, Dead at 77

Photo Courtesy: officialalfaanderson.com

Alfa Anderson, whose powerful voice helped define the sound of disco as a vocalist with the iconic band Chic, died Tuesday at age 77, according to several reports and a social media post by Nile Rodgers, the band's co-founder, producer and guitarist. While often labeled a "former" member, Anderson's enduring career proved that the music industry, much like the infectious rhythms of Chic's "Good Times," never truly lets go.

#restinpoweralfaanderson #chic #loveyou #original #truth #soul #memories #wearefamily #always #music #peace #wedidit #together

Thank you for everything ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🎶🎶🎶🎤🎤🎤 pic.twitter.com/doEysFIzXh

— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) December 17, 2024

Anderson, who rose to fame in the late 1970s, delivered soaring vocals on Chic's hits, including "Le Freak," and "I Want Your Love." These were the anthems that ruled the dance floors of legendary clubs like Studio 54 and propelled the band to international stardom. But Anderson's journey, like that of many disco stars, was more nuanced than the often-simplified narratives presented in posthumous tributes.

Born in the Bronx, New York, but raised in Augusta, Georgia, Anderson graduated from Lucy C. Laney High School before embarking on a music career that would span decades. A longtime friend of Luther Vandross, she was invited by the R&B legend to a vocal session for a new group called Chic, according to a 2017 interview with the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

After contributing backing vocals to early tracks like "Dance, Dance, Dance" and "Everybody Dance," she was promoted to co-lead vocalist in 1978. Anderson's commanding voice became a defining feature of the band's sound on the critically acclaimed albums "C'est Chic" (1978) and "Risqué" (1979).

Sad news about Alfa Anderson - the lead singer on I Want Your Love.

If you’ve ever sung or danced to Le Freak, Good Times, Everybody Dance - raise a glass to Alfa - whose classy soul voice was central to the sound of Chic.pic.twitter.com/ACtp9hzCTZ

— Sue Charles (@Sue_Charles) December 18, 2024

As Chic's output slowed in the early 1980s, Anderson continued to work as a session vocalist, toured with Vandross for five years, and pursued a solo career. She released the album "Alpha's Beta" in 1986, which featured the dance single "Love and Understanding." She also formed the spiritual group Voices of Shalom with her husband, Tinkr Barfield.

Sad to learn of the passing of Alfa Anderson (August 7, 1946 - December 17, 2024). One of the main voices of the phenomenal Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers led disco funk group CHIC as well as a session background vocalist and a public school educator. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/MAdZrUICJe

— Daddy J Fez (@DaddyJFez1) December 19, 2024

The 2010s saw a renewed appreciation for Anderson's contributions to music. She reunited with former Chic vocalists Luci Martin and Norma Jean Wright for select performances. In 2013, she released the single "Former Lady of Chic," a nod to her enduring connection to the band. Anderson was also featured in James Arena's 2014 book, "First Legends of Disco," and performed at several high-profile events, including Central Park SummerStage and the grand opening of the Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza.

RIP Alfa Anderson. As a vocalist for Chic, she helped give us numerous classics like "Le Freak", "Good Times", "Everybody Dance", & "I Want Your Love". She will live on forever through her music. Peace to her family & loved ones. pic.twitter.com/tytu5E417p

— DJ Short (@_DJShort) December 18, 2024

Paying tribute to Anderson on social media, Rodgers wrote, "#restinpoweralfaanderson #chic #loveyou." But beyond the social media tributes, Anderson's legacy endures through the timeless music she helped create. Her voice, an essential element of the Chic sound, remains a defining part of the disco era.

Report: Lil Wayne, Chris Brown Looted COVID-19 Relief Funds

Pictured (From left): Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Tyga are pictured on the set of their "Loyal" music video. A 2024 report alleges Brown and Lil Wayne misused millions in COVID-19 relief funds intended for struggling artists.

While everyday Americans struggled during the pandemic, some of hip-hop's biggest stars were living large on taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief money, according to a bombshell investigation by Business Insider.

The report reveals how millions of dollars meant to rescue struggling artists and shuttered venues were allegedly funneled into the pockets of celebrities like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown.

These stars then used the funds to bankroll extravagant lifestyles, according to the report.

These revelations are part of a broader pattern of COVID-19 relief fraud and abuse that has plagued numerous federal aid programs, raising serious questions about government oversight and accountability.

The Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, a federal initiative championed by Sen. Chuck Schumer in 2020, was intended as a lifeline for independent music venues and working-class artists devastated by pandemic shutdowns.

Schumer said the program would ensure that "young artists" and "middle-class people" could weather the economic storm.

Last year we discovered a COVID relief fund meant for struggling arts venues had given $200M+ to wealthy musicians. But we didn't know HOW they spent it — until now. We got the literal receipts, with @TheNewsHam and @ByKLong reviewing thousands of pages of accounting docs pic.twitter.com/jvJjAlIv6J

— Jake Swearingen (@JakeSwearingen) December 18, 2024

However, Business Insider's findings suggest that for some, "weathering the storm" involved private jets, lavish parties, and questionable travel expenses, all courtesy of the U.S. taxpayer.

Rapper Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Carter Jr., received a staggering $8.9 million in SVOG funds through his touring company, Young Money Touring, Inc.

While the money was ostensibly earmarked for touring expenses, records obtained by Business Insider indicate a significant portion was spent on luxuries that had little to do with keeping his crew employed.

According to the report, over $1.3 million went to private jet travel, $460,000 was spent on high-end clothing, and $175,000 was used for a music festival promoting his marijuana brand, GKUA.

An additional $15,000 was reportedly used for flights and hotel stays for women with no clear connection to his tours.

Chris Brown's financial exploits were equally eyebrow-raising.

His company, CBE Touring, Inc., received $10 million in SVOG funds.

Records show that Brown spent $80,000 of that money on a lavish 33rd birthday party for himself, complete with an LED dance floor and body-painted models.

Brown also apparently used $24,000 in grant money to transport his tour bus to Tulum, Mexico, where he filmed a music video — but did not perform, Business Insider reported.

While stars like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown were enjoying the largesse, their crews were often left with meager compensation.

The Business Insider investigation highlights a disturbing disparity between the millions flowing to headliners and the comparatively small sums doled out to the roadies, technicians, and other workers who make live music possible.

Many smaller venues and independent artists, the intended beneficiaries of the SVOG program, have reported receiving inadequate support or facing bureaucratic hurdles that prevented them from accessing funds, further fueling the sense of injustice.

The Small Business Administration, which administered the SVOG program, has faced intense criticism for its apparent lack of oversight.

Initially, musicians and their loan-out companies were deemed ineligible for the grants.

However, a December 2021 internal memo reversed that decision, paving the way for wealthy artists to receive substantial payouts. The SBA has yet to explain this abrupt policy shift.

Further fueling concerns, the agency prioritized speed over scrutiny, postponing anti-fraud checks until after funds were disbursed.

A staggering $6 billion in grants remains under review for compliance, according to Business Insider.

The SBA has stated that it is working with law enforcement to investigate credible evidence of fraud, but critics argue that more needs to be done to recover misspent funds and hold those responsible accountable.

"They were just trying to get money out. If it was fraudulent, if it was not eligible – whatever," an SBA insider told Business Insider, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The fallout from the scandal has been swift and severe.

"It never crossed my mind that we should be trying to get this money for my artists," one manager who lobbied for the program told Business Insider, requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Brandy Hotchner, who runs the Arizona Actors Academy, said the funds saved her school during the pandemic.

She called the misuse by celebrities "a disappointment" that could tarnish public trust in government support for the arts.

Business Insider reports that the SBA has recovered $43 million in misspent COVID-19 relief funds but has yet to assign staff to review the remaining cases.

Calls for greater accountability have grown louder, with some lawmakers demanding a thorough investigation into the SVOG program's administration.

Sen. Schumer's office has not yet released a public statement addressing the specific allegations raised in the Business Insider report.

The revelations underscore the challenges of balancing rapid relief with effective oversight and raise troubling questions about who truly benefited from a program designed to help those most in need.

DJ Quik, Daughter Launch Kickstarter for Debut Single

West Coast hip-hop legend DJ Quik is back, but this time he's sharing the spotlight with a newcomer: his daughter, Damyiah Mornaé.

The pair have launched a Kickstarter campaign for their debut single, "Outta My Way," hoping fans will say "Tonite" to their crowdfunding plea. Quik, the Compton, California, mastermind behind 1991's platinum-selling "Quik Is the Name" and 1998's "Rhythm-al-ism," is no stranger to hits. But in today's music landscape, even a legend needs a little help from his friends — and apparently, their wallets. The Kickstarter campaign, which went live Dec. 13, offers the usual "exclusive perks" for backers, ranging from digital downloads to (presumably) signed Quik memorabilia.

According to a press release, Quik was "deeply impressed" by his daughter's "undeniable talent." (She goes by Myiah.Mornae on Instagram, by the way.) A father-daughter collaboration? Sweet, right? Or is this a savvy move by a veteran artist to tap into a new generation of listeners? For those who've been living under a rock (or maybe just weren't born in the '80s), here's a quick refresher: DJ Quik (born David Marvin Blake) is a cornerstone of West Coast hip-hop. He's the producer behind hits for 2Pac, Janet Jackson, and Tony! Toni! Toné! and a pioneer of the smooth, funk-infused sound that defined the G-funk era.

Quik hasn't been resting on his laurels. He recently sat down with NPR's "Bullseye with Jesse Thorn" to discuss his influential career. He dropped a collaborative album, "Rosecrans," with fellow Compton rapper Problem in 2017, produced "Eargasm" for Megan Thee Stallion's "Fever" in 2019, and released "I Didn't Want to Leave You Lonely" with Long Beach, California's Kokane in 2022.

In September 2023, he and Mornaé released a visual album, "818," on YouTube. And just last April, he teamed up with JasonMartin (formerly Problem) for a new album, "Chupacabra."

The press release hypes up Mornaé's future R&B productions, promising she'll "wow" both Quik and fans. That's a lot of pressure for someone whose main claim to fame, so far, is being DJ Quik's daughter. Of course, there's a hashtag campaign: #DJQuikandDamyiah.

Tag your posts on Instagram (@DJQuik and @Myiah.Mornae), and you might get a shoutout. No guarantees, though. This father-daughter project is brought to you by #8B8 Records, a Los Angeles-based label founded in 2022. They say they're all about "innovative, genre-defying music." Time will tell.

‘True Justice Is Coming’: Jay-Z Slams Accuser’s Lawsuit After She Admits to Mistakes in Her Story

Jay-Z is speaking out following his accuser's admission of inconsistencies in her allegations of sexual assault against the rap mogul. The Alabama woman, identified as Jane Doe, claims that Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter, and Sean "Diddy" Combs raped her at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards afterparty when she was 13.

In an interview with NBC News on Friday, Jane Doe acknowledged errors in her account, including misremembering her father's involvement and incorrectly identifying a celebrity present at the event. Despite these discrepancies, she maintains the core of her allegations.

https://t.co/3JJ9SoT4eL pic.twitter.com/o8lW4ywWWz

— Roc Nation (@RocNation) December 14, 2024

Jay-Z's attorney, Alex Spiro, criticized the legal process, stating, "It is stunning that a lawyer would not only file such a serious complaint without proper vetting but would make things worse by further peddling this false story in the press." He added, "We are asking the Court to dismiss this frivolous case today and will take up the matter of additional discipline for Mr. Buzbee and all the lawyers that filed the complaint."

EXCLUSIVE: Jay-Z rape accuser comes forward to NBC News; acknowledges inconsistencies in her allegations. pic.twitter.com/tzk8qIKSFJ

— NBC News (@NBCNews) December 14, 2024

Jay-Z himself condemned the lawsuit, asserting, "Today's investigative report proves this 'attorney' Buzbee filed a false complaint against me in the pursuit of money and fame. This incident didn't happen, and yet he filed it in court and doubled down in the press. True justice is coming."

The lawsuit alleges that Jane Doe attended the afterparty after attempting to enter the awards show at Radio City Music Hall. She claims she was later assaulted by Carter and Combs, though the specific details of the events remain contested.

Both Jay-Z and Combs have denied the allegations. Combs' representatives have labeled the claims as "shameless publicity stunts."

Diddy Accused of Sexually Assaulting Three Men in Disturbing New Lawsuits, Will Smith Denies Connection to Scandal

Three new lawsuits filed Thursday in New York accuse Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting multiple men, adding to the avalanche of civil claims already pending against the music mogul.

The complaints, submitted to New York Supreme Court, detail alleged assaults between 2019 and 2022. Two of the plaintiffs say Combs “personally offered” them alcoholic drinks at parties, after which they lost consciousness and were attacked. A third man, who says he once worked for Combs, alleges the rapper drugged and assaulted him during a meeting about unpaid wages.

Combs, 55, is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He faces federal charges including sex trafficking and racketeering conspiracy, has pleaded not guilty, and has been denied bail three times. A trial is scheduled for May 2025.

His attorneys, who have called the growing number of allegations “full of lies,” recently secured a court order allowing Combs daily access to a discovery laptop in jail, though under strict conditions. In a statement to the BBC, they said: “We will prove them false and seek sanctions against every unethical lawyer who filed fictional claims against him.”

Will Smith says he wasn't involved in “No Diddy” Freak-Offs & admits he was mad when he saw viral Memes about him. 👀 pic.twitter.com/APqJV8lNRu

— HIPHOP CROWN NATION (@hiphopcnation) December 13, 2024

The men, who filed anonymously, say they fear Combs’ “reach and influence,” according to their lawsuits. Attorney Thomas Giuffra, representing the three plaintiffs, said his office has fielded inquiries from more than 60 people with claims against Combs.

In one case, an anonymous plaintiff said he felt disoriented at a private gathering in 2019 after Combs “personally offered” him a cocktail. He recalled moments of consciousness during which he was being recorded and assaulted. Another plaintiff alleges that, during a 2020 party at Combs’ East Hampton home, he began losing consciousness after drinking alcohol Combs provided, and “fading in and out” as Combs and others “took turns” raping him. The third man claims he was drugged and assaulted by Combs in February 2020 during a hotel meeting arranged to discuss unpaid wages.

Meanwhile, actor and musician Will Smith recently told a San Diego audience he has no connection to Combs, addressing online speculation by saying: “I don’t have s*** to do with Puffy, so y’all can stop all the memes.”