Maha Christopher
Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a new lawsuit after a former child actor accused the music mogul of sexually assaulting him during a networking event in the Hollywood Hills nearly two decades ago.
According to CNN, the anonymous accuser filed the lawsuit in California this week, alleging that Combs lured him into a private room during a 2007 industry event under the guise of discussing potential acting opportunities.
The plaintiff, identified in court documents as “John YH Roe,” claimed he was under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged incident. He alleged that Combs offered him an alcoholic drink before making unwanted sexual advances and assaulting him.
The lawsuit further alleges that the former child actor expressed discomfort during the encounter but that the assault continued. The plaintiff is seeking damages over the alleged incident.
Combs has denied the allegations through a spokesperson, who described the claims as unsubstantiated and said they were based solely on the accuser’s account.
“Mr. Combs unequivocally denies these allegations,” spokesperson Juda Engelmayer said, adding that the complaint concerns events alleged to have occurred nearly 20 years ago.
The lawsuit also names the actor’s former talent agency as a defendant, accusing it of failing to provide adequate protection and supervision while he attended the networking event as a minor.
The case adds to a growing list of legal challenges facing Combs, who is currently appealing a federal conviction in New York related to transportation for prostitution offences.
Combs has consistently denied allegations of sexual misconduct and has maintained that he has never sexually assaulted a minor or any other individual.
The latest filing comes as authorities in Los Angeles continue reviewing separate allegations against the music executive, according to statements previously made by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
