Allegations Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Are Just the ‘Tip of the Iceberg,’ Claims Alleged Victim Dawn Richard’s Lawyer | Entertainment & Arts News

A lawyer representing an alleged victim of Sean “Diddy” Combs has shared with Sky News her belief that the criminal charges against him are merely “the tip of the iceberg,” asserting that there may be “hundreds” more victims who are “too afraid to come forward.”

Lisa Bloom is representing singer Dawn Richard, a former member of two groups formed by the rapper, who has initiated a civil lawsuit against him.

Richard is among numerous individuals suing Combs following his arrest in September. The 55-year-old is currently incarcerated in New York, awaiting trial on criminal charges related to sex trafficking and racketeering, which he has firmly denied.

Warning – this story contains details some might find distressing

“What we’re witnessing now is just the tip of the iceberg,” Bloom stated. “I anticipate that many more accusers will step forward.”

The lawyer expressed her belief that there are “hundreds more individuals” who may have allegations of “sexual assault, physical violence, threats, and sex trafficking” against Combs, along with “people connected to him.”

Nonetheless, she mentioned that numerous alleged victims might feel intimidated or believe they lack rights due to signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).

The criminal case against Combs alleges that he, aided by some employees, coerced and abused individuals over a prolonged period, using blackmail and violence to silence alleged victims.

In addition to the criminal charges, the hip-hop mogul is facing a growing number of civil lawsuits, with over 20 filed to date.

‘She alleges she was groped and grabbed’

Richard was a participant on the TV show Making The Band, which Combs executive produced, in the early 2000s.

She was part of Danity Kane, a girl group established on the show that signed to his label, and subsequently performed alongside Combs in the trio Diddy – Dirty Money.

She alleges that she endured years of inhumane working conditions and received life threats.

“During the show, the contestants were subjected to appalling conditions,” Bloom mentioned. “They were not permitted to eat, sleep, and were locked in locations without the freedom to leave.

“They had to endure various gender-based insults… being called names and demeaned.

“She claims that Sean Combs groped and grabbed her, that she witnessed him physically assault other women, and that he restrained and falsely imprisoned her in cars and other locations, creating a truly frightening experience for her.”

When Richard attempted to advocate for others who were allegedly being abused by Combs in her presence, she was threatened, which instilled a “great sense of fear” in her, Bloom added.

Combs’s legal team refutes Richard’s accusations, calling them “an effort to distort the truth.” They describe the claims as fabricated by a singer seeking financial gain, particularly given her new album release.

They argue that if her experience with Combs and Danity Kane was indeed so negative, she would not have collaborated with him again in the Diddy – Dirty Money project.

‘People turned a blind eye’

According to Bloom, Richard has cooperated with investigators from the US Department of Justice. She believes there are “more criminal charges on the horizon” for Combs, in addition to more civil lawsuits.

“She has sat for questioning,” Bloom commented. “I suspect that others may have as well. Therefore, additional criminal charges could indeed be forthcoming… I also anticipate an increase in civil suits.”

“Sean Combs is at the pinnacle of this situation; he orchestrated the actions, but those who assisted him must also be held accountable.

“We intend to hold accountable anyone involved, as to victimize at this level, likely affecting hundreds, requires accomplices… Those who witnessed the abuse and ignored it, continuing to support events where such things occurred, should be held accountable, and we intend to pursue that in our case.”

Bloom foresees the emergence of other notable names in this context.

“People used to boast about attending Diddy parties; many were present, and while some may have been oblivious, there’s a good chance many were not,” she remarked. “Being a celebrity does not grant immunity from the law, regardless of what some may believe.”

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Currently, the civil lawsuits against Combs are proceeding alongside the criminal case.

The rapper has not sought a stay, which would effectively pause the civil actions, according to Bloom, who is “vigorously pursuing” Richard’s lawsuit.

From behind bars, Combs, through his attorneys, has stated he is “confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving it in court.”

“I look forward to taking Sean Combs’s deposition in prison,” Bloom expressed. “For one, he cannot claim he’s unavailable or out of town.”