New Lawsuit Accuses Diddy of Drugging, Sexually Assaulting Man in 2015

Tony Buzbee, attorney representing the plaintiff in a new lawsuit against Sean "Diddy" Combs, shared details of the case on his Instagram Tuesday, alleging sexual assault and battery. The lawsuit accuses Combs of drugging and assaulting the plaintiff after a 2015 performance in Los Angeles.

Sean "Diddy" Combs is facing a new lawsuit alleging sexual assault and battery. Tuesday attorney Tony Buzbee filed a lawsuit in New York State Court on behalf of a plaintiff identified as John Doe, who was 23 years old at the time of the alleged assault in 2015. The lawsuit accuses Combs of drugging and sexually assaulting the plaintiff after a performance in Los Angeles.

According to the lawsuit, Combs attended the event to promote his Ciroc vodka brand and scout talent for Bad Boy Records. After the plaintiff’s performance, Combs allegedly approached him, leading him to believe that a record deal was a possibility. The lawsuit claims Combs then invited the plaintiff backstage, where the alleged assault took place.

The plaintiff alleges that after consuming a drink provided by a member of Combs’ team, he began to feel lightheaded and eventually passed out. Upon regaining consciousness, he says he found himself sexually assaulted by Combs, with the lawsuit further claiming that Combs performed sexual acts on him without consent.

In an Instagram post, Tony Buzbee confirmed the details, writing, “Combs lured the Plaintiff backstage after the show where Plaintiff was allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted.” Buzbee further emphasized, “This new case alleges that Defendant Combs sexually assaulted Plaintiff after luring him backstage and drugging him.”

The lawsuit also claims that Combs threatened the plaintiff, warning him that “his career would be damaged” if he spoke out.

Buzbee’s firm is preparing to file additional lawsuits against Combs and his associates. While Buzbee did not specify the exact number of cases, he indicated that many more lawsuits will be filed before the February deadline for such cases in New York. Buzbee noted, “Because there is a looming deadline for cases to be filed in New York City, I would expect many more cases will be filed by our firm prior to the end of February.”

This new lawsuit follows a previous legal battle. In November 2023, Combs' ex-partner, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit accusing him of years of abuse, including sexual assault and trafficking. That case was settled privately but led to similar allegations from other individuals.

Combs is also reportedly under federal investigation. In early 2024, law enforcement agents raided several of Combs’ properties, seizing electronics and documents linked to trafficking and abuse claims. Details of the federal investigation remain largely undisclosed, though it is ongoing.

Combs' legal team has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “false and sensational.” They have consistently maintained that Combs has never sexually assaulted or trafficked anyone.

Combs' federal trial is scheduled for May 2025, though the specific court has not been disclosed.

Beyoncé Wins Album of the Year, Kendrick Lamar and Doechii Score Historic Wins at 2025 Grammys

Beyoncé stunsin a promotional image for her "Cowboy Carter" tour, which she announced just a day before making history at the 2025 Grammy Awards Sunday. The singer became the first Black woman to win Best Country Album and finally secured her long-awaited Album of the Year win for "Cowboy Carter." (Photo: Beyoncé via X)

Beyoncé shattered barriers once again at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year for "Cowboy Carter"— her long-awaited victory in a category that had eluded her four previous times. The win, announced Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena, made her the first Black woman in 26 years to take home the Grammy's top prize, a feat last achieved by Lauryn Hill for "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" in 1999.

Beyoncé wins Album of the Year for “Cowboy Carter” pic.twitter.com/SL17vh2aQL

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 3, 2025

"I just feel very full and very honored," Beyoncé said onstage, standing beside her 13-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, as she accepted the award. "It’s been many, many years, and I just want to thank the Grammys, every songwriter, every collaborator, every producer."

Her victory capped off a historic night for Black artists, with Kendrick Lamar and Doechii also securing major wins.

Beyoncé’s 'Cowboy Carter' Breaks New Ground in Country Music

Beyoncé's history-making night began even earlier in the premiere ceremony, where she became the first Black woman in 50 years to win a country Grammy. She and Miley Cyrus took home the award for best country duo/group performance for "II Most Wanted." (The Pointer Sisters last won in a country category in 1975.) Later in the main telecast, Beyoncé made history again by becoming the first Black woman to win Best Country Album for "Cowboy Carter." 

“I think sometimes genre is a code word to keep us in our place as artists, and I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about” - Beyoncé after winning Best Country Album for “Cowboy Carter”pic.twitter.com/IEfcL1blyV

— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 3, 2025

Accepting the award from Taylor Swift, Beyoncé appeared momentarily stunned.

"Wow, I really was not expecting this," she said. "I think sometimes ‘genre’ is a code word to keep us in our place as artists. I just want to encourage people to do what they’re passionate about, and to stay persistent."

Her win follows the success of "Texas Hold ‘Em," which topped the Billboard Hot 100, and her collaboration with country pioneer Linda Martell on "Spaghetti," where Martell reflects on how musical genres often serve as barriers rather than creative spaces.

The moment also came just one day after Beyoncé announced her highly anticipated "Cowboy Carter" tour, sending the BeyHive into a frenzy online.

Kendrick Lamar Reaffirms His Grammy Dominance

Kendrick Lamar continued his reign as one of hip-hop's most decorated artists, securing Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "Not Like Us." These wins bring Lamar's total Grammy count to 20, further cementing his legacy as one of rap's most critically acclaimed voices. 

In his acceptance speech, Lamar paid tribute to his hometown and family: "This is for Compton, straight up... My mom and pop out there doing front flips on the couch right now. My son is six years old. Go to sleep, it's past your bedtime right now." 

KENDRICK LAMAR WINS RECORD OF THE YEAR FOR “NOT LIKE US”

AND THE WHOLE ARENA WAS SINGING ALONG WHEN WE WENT UP TO THE STAGE

LMFAOOOOO#GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/RYaCh0Sk3W

— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) February 3, 2025

Doechii Makes History

Rising star Doechii made history by becoming the third woman to win Best Rap Album, securing the award for "Alligator Bites Never Heal." Her win represents a major milestone for women in hip-hop, breaking barriers in a category historically dominated by male artists. 

In her emotional speech, Doechii reflected on her journey: "This is for all the little Black girls who were ever told they weren't enough. We are enough. We are more than enough."

Doechii joins Cardi B and Lauryn Hill as the only female rappers in history to win 'Best Rap Album' at the #GRAMMYs. pic.twitter.com/iUaamBzvjZ

— chart data (@chartdata) February 3, 2025

Rapsody and Erykah Badu's Collaborative Triumph

In another significant highlight of the evening, Rapsody and Erykah Badu clinched the Best Melodic Rap Performance award for their collaboration "3:AM." This victory marked Rapsody's inaugural Grammy win and Badu's first in two decades, underscoring their enduring influence in the music industry.

A Night of Legacy: Quincy Jones Tribute Brings Star-Studded Lineup

The Recording Academy also paid tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones, who died in November 2024 at age 91. The segment featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Will Smith, Janelle Monáe, and Herbie Hancock, celebrating Jones’ groundbreaking contributions to music.

The tribute included "Fly Me to the Moon," "Let the Good Times Roll," and "We Are the World," the 1985 charity single produced by Jones.

"He taught us that life is a feast, and you don’t stop ‘til you get enough," Smith said, referencing Jones’ collaborations with Michael Jackson.

For the full list of winners, go to GRAMMY.com.

From Battle Raps to the Grammys: Roxanne Shanté’s Influence Recognized with Lifetime Achievement Honor

Roxanne Shanté speaks during an interview on "CBS Mornings" about her journey from pioneering battle rapper to Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. The Queensbridge legend will make history as the first solo female rapper to receive the honor. (CBS Mornings via screengrab)

Hip-hop trailblazer Roxanne Shanté will make history on Feb. 1, becoming the first solo female rapper to receive the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the Recording Academy’s Special Merit Awards Ceremony. The honor, recognizing her pioneering role in rap’s formative years, places Shanté among an elite group of 2025 recipients, including Prince, The Clash, Frankie Beverly, Taj Mahal, Dr. Bobby Jones and Frankie Valli.

For a culture that has often overlooked its female pioneers, Shanté’s recognition is a landmark moment. The Queensbridge native, who first gained fame at 14 years old with the groundbreaking 1984 single "Roxanne’s Revenge," helped lay the foundation for hip-hop’s global ascent. The track, a scathing response to UTFO’s "Roxanne, Roxanne," ignited The Roxanne Wars, inspiring more than 80 response songs and cementing Shanté’s reputation as one of rap’s fiercest lyricists.

2025 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees

• 🎤 Prince – Seven-time Grammy winner, musical innovator, and genre-defying icon behind Purple Rain and Sign o’ the Times.
• 🎸 The Clash – British punk pioneers known for London Calling and politically charged anthems like Rock the Casbah.
• 🎶 Frankie Beverly – Soul and R&B legend whose work with Maze produced classics like Before I Let Go.
• 🙏 Dr. Bobby Jones – Gospel music trailblazer and longtime host of Bobby Jones Gospel, the longest-running original show on BET.
• 🎷 Taj Mahal – Blues and world music visionary who helped redefine roots music over a six-decade career.
• 🎤 Frankie Valli – The unmistakable falsetto behind Sherry, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, and Big Girls Don’t Cry.

In a recent interview with CBS Mornings’ Gayle King, Shanté reflected on her journey.

"It took 40 years, but it's here. And now, all the young girls coming up in hip-hop will know that it’s possible," she said. “They’ll know that their contributions won’t be erased.”

A Battle Rap Prodigy Turned Pioneer

Shanté’s influence extended beyond the mic. She became a central figure in the Juice Crew, a legendary hip-hop collective that helped define the golden era of rap. Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, MC Shan, and Nas were all connected to her early impact on the Queensbridge rap scene.

However, despite her status as a teen prodigy and one of rap’s earliest female stars, Shanté saw little financial reward for her success.

"You had a record deal, you had a hit song, it was making money — but you weren’t making money," she recalled. "I was a girl. That was enough to make sure I wasn’t getting paid."

Frustrated by industry exploitation, she walked away from music in the early ’90s, choosing instead to focus on her family and education. She later earned a Ph.D. in psychology, proving that her battle spirit extended far beyond hip-hop.

A Long-Overdue Honor

In recent years, Shanté’s contributions have gained well-deserved recognition. In 2017, Netflix released "Roxanne Roxanne," a biopic chronicling her rise in hip-hop. In 2023, she received the NAACP Legacy Award and the Hip-Hop Grandmaster Award from the Paid in Full Foundation, a group dedicated to compensating hip-hop pioneers who never saw financial returns for their work.

Now, the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award stands as the highest recognition yet of her impact. Shanté, however, sees it as more than just a personal win.

"It’s not about what I didn't get back then," she said. "It’s about making sure the next generation of girls in hip-hop never have to fight for their flowers."

Shanté’s honor comes amid a broader push to acknowledge hip-hop’s pioneers, with the Recording Academy inducting other rap icons like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five and Salt-N-Pepa in recent years. Her distinction as the first solo female rapper to receive the award highlights hip-hop’s evolution and growing recognition of its female architects.

Now a SiriusXM host on LL Cool J’s "Rock The Bells Radio," where she reaches seven million listeners daily, Shanté continues to amplify hip-hop’s history and the artists who helped build it. And despite stepping away from rap decades ago, her legendary skills remain sharp.

When asked if she could still freestyle on command, Shanté smiled and delivered an impromptu verse, proving that her quick-witted lyricism is as sharp as ever.

The Special Merit Awards Ceremony will take place at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles on Feb. 1. The 67th Grammy Awards will air live on CBS and Paramount+ on Sunday, Feb. 2.