Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Allegations: Ex-Hip Hop Dancer Reveals Industry Secrets – ‘They Share Women and Secrets’ | Arts & Entertainment News

“The allegations against Sean Combs are not uncommon. He’s not an isolated case.”

During a period in the early 2000s, Elisabeth Ovesen gained fame as a hip-hop video star alongside major artists in the industry. This was a time characterized by lavish music videos, particularly in rap, showcasing wealth, flashy cars, and women.

She maintained diaries throughout this time. In 2005, she released Confessions Of A Video Vixen, sharing her challenging upbringing and relationships before discovering what appeared to be a glamorous path to financial stability.

Under her stage name Karrine Steffans, she narrated her experiences as a 22-year-old woman on video sets, detailing her interactions and intimate relationships with rappers and other music industry figures. While most of her encounters with famous individuals were consensual, she describes her book as a warning about a celebrated industry, illustrating issues of misogyny and power discrepancies related to age and status, depicting how women were often used and then discarded, rather than highlighting criminal acts.

However, Ovesen acknowledges a much darker aspect of both the music industry and Hollywood as a whole.

In light of the #MeToo movement – and most recently the charges brought against rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, which he has vehemently denied – she expresses a desire for others to recognize that similar behaviors and crimes often go unaddressed.

Her comments resonate with those of attorney Tony Buzbee, who has filed multiple lawsuits against Combs. He suggests that high-profile figures are paying off victims to prevent public exposure.

‘Everything that’s being revealed was not a secret’

In a Zoom interview with Sky News, Ovesen recalled the night she first met Combs, stating she felt “somewhat summoned” to his residence. Although she found the experience “odd” in hindsight, she emphasized he treated her with kindness and respect. “We were at a club with mutual acquaintances, and when we left together, he leaned out of a window to engage with the men in my vehicle, referring to me as though I were an object,” she describes.

She noted the men decided she would accompany Combs, recalling the moment as a directive to “send her.” Reflecting on this now, she acknowledges how strange it seems.

This encounter occurred soon after Combs’ breakup with Jennifer Lopez in 2001. “He was very charming, warm, and respectful. The following morning, we had brunch at his home, and he remained pleasant,” she recounted. She attended additional events with Combs, and he consistently maintained the same demeanor.

However, she claims he was aware of her diary entries. “My experiences with him are significantly different from those of countless others. I have witnessed his temper and moments that did not involve me directly.”

These stories are not hers to share, she insists. “I do not want to overshadow genuine victims. I am not a victim.”

Yet, Ovesen acknowledges becoming aware of the hip-hop mogul’s alleged mistreatment of his former partner Cassie, for which he later expressed remorse, as well as the claims of “freak-off” parties that are part of the current legal cases against him.

“I understood what kind of person he was towards others. Everything currently surfacing about Sean was no secret… his relationship with Cassie was widely known in LA’s industry. The challenge with situations like this is that if someone states they were present and witnessed it, the follow-up question becomes, ‘Well, why were you there?'”

Ovesen asserts that misogyny and abuse are pervasive within the hip-hop and broader music industry, as well as in Hollywood.

“While examining this one individual and the industry in which he operates, let us not overlook all the men who remain silent,” she emphasizes. “It is crucial to underscore that what Sean is accused of is far from unique. He is not an outlier… such behavior is learned and sustained.”

Ovesen recalls some men she knew from the industry maintained dual households – one for family and another for gatherings. She observed rampant drug use, stating she witnessed prominent male celebrities indulging in heroin, cocaine, and crack.

Women are often viewed as objects and subjected to sexual abuse, she notes, with some men and minors similarly affected.

Artists often share the same agents, managers, handlers, accountants… They share private jets, residences, women, and secrets. This issue extends beyond just a Sean Combs situation; it’s a global concern. It involves men who possess wealth and power.”

Upon her arrival in LA, Ovesen was seeking opportunities in dance. Being “discovered” for music videos, with potential earnings of thousands for just a day or two on set, seemed like a significant opportunity. However, she insists she was never naive about the industry and admits that many of her experiences were enjoyable.

“I was fully aware of the situation. I always understood my presence had a purpose. Women were frequently utilized as decorative elements, increasing the appeal for men, and were generally regarded as disposable, without much respect. However, given my background as an exotic dancer, this reality did not deter or upset me at that time.”

CCTV cameras and NDAs

This world no longer reflects Ovesen’s reality, she notes. Since her first publication, she has authored several additional books and conducted lectures outlining her experiences. Nonetheless, she mentions that friends in the industry assert that conditions have not improved.

She recounts attending house parties where she would awaken to “screaming in the dead of night – women being beaten, slapped, and assaulted”, as well as cases of men being abused, and of closeted artists grappling with shame that manifests as anger about their sexual preferences.

Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are prevalent, and individuals are routinely compensated to maintain silence. “This behavior isn’t odd or unusual; it’s simply the status quo, with men committing heinous acts and then financially compensating victims.” NDAs were commonly presented at the entrances of celebrity homes prior to parties, and Ovesen recalls signing one herself in 2000, only to refuse thereafter.

“There are cameras everywhere,” she describes, in line with typical security measures for opulent properties. “Not only does that NDA stipulate that whatever transpires within those walls remains confidential, but it also protects against potential legal action should anything happen to you. Additionally, there is a clause about recording.”

Ovesen asserts that numerous well-known actors, artists, producers, and executives are involved in similar misconduct. She admits to never having witnessed an alleged “freak-off” party, as Combs was aware she documented her experiences. “But was I informed about them? Yes. Did I hear rumors? Certainly.”

Some individuals possess “their own narratives,” she claims. “I’m particularly thinking of one Oscar-winning actor.”

When she published her book, Ovesen faced backlash, being labeled a “whore” and a liar in subsequent years. People expressed ire for her portrayal of revered men in a less-than-flattering light. However, she emphasizes that her narrative was untouched by embellishment, including “my own willing participation. I wasn’t striving to present myself positively; I simply shared the truth.”

Ovesen aimed for the world to grasp the industry’s realities. “Women endure shame regardless of their sexual experiences, whether consensual or non-consensual. Women are shamed regardless of their choices.”

With the emergence of the #MeToo movement, she has perceived a shift in attitudes, particularly among younger women discovering her work for the first time. While she feels frustration that change was necessary, she expresses joy for the younger generation, stating she plans to release an updated edition of her book next year, commemorating twenty years since its initial release.

“I want the new generation to recognize the importance of believing women and supporting one another.”

Sky News has reached out to representatives for Combs for a comment.

What are the allegations against Combs?

Combs was arrested in September on suspicions of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking and has been held without bail, awaiting a trial set for May.

The hip-hop mogul has pleaded not guilty to charges of coercing and abusing women over multiple years with assistance from a network of associates and staff, silencing victims through blackmail and violence – including kidnapping, arson, and physical assaults.

He is also facing several civil lawsuits, with one attorney claiming to represent dozens of accusers. Combs maintains that his sexual interactions were consensual and denies any wrongdoing.

Recently, allegations surfaced that rapper Jay-Z raped a 13-year-old girl after the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, allegedly in connection with Combs. A federal lawsuit that initially named only Combs has been amended to include Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter.

Jay-Z has firmly rejected these allegations and has requested the identity of the accuser be disclosed, or for the case to be dismissed altogether. In a detailed statement to NBC News, Sky News’ US affiliate, he expressed, “These allegations are so heinous that I urge you to pursue criminal charges rather than civil!”

“Anyone who would commit such a crime against a minor deserves severe punishment, wouldn’t you agree?” he added.

The rapper, who shares three children with his wife Beyonce, further stated, “My only sorrow is for my family. My wife and I will have to explain these troubling allegations to our children, especially to our daughter, who is at an age where her friends might question the nature of these claims, highlighting the cruelty and greed of people. I lament yet another loss of innocence.”

Jay-Z concluded by ridiculing the accusations, stating, “Only your network of conspiracy theorists and fake narratives would accept the ludicrous claims against me, which, if not for the gravity of the situation involving harm to children, would be laughable.”