Sean “Diddy” Combs has been accused of raping a woman as alleged payback for her saying she believed he was involved in the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur, a new lawsuit shows.
The court document, filed in California, is the latest civil case to be filed against Combs, who is currently behind held in New York as he awaits a criminal trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
Warning: This story contains details readers may find distressing
In the lawsuit, the woman claims the hip-hop mogul raped her using a remote control – and that associates witnessed and also took part in sexual abuse. She also alleges he threatened to give her “a Glasgow smile” – to cut her face with a knife – and threatened he could harm her and her family if she spoke out.
She is suing Combs, along with four other men and two women, over allegations of sexual assault, battery, rape, sexual abuse, false imprisonment and kidnapping, and has called for a trial by jury.
Combs, known as P Diddy, has not yet responded to this lawsuit, but has denied all claims of sexual assault made against him.
He has also previously denied any involvement in the murder of Shakur, who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas in 1996.
The woman claims she first met one of Combs’ friends in a bar in February 2018. In the lawsuit, she says the man made a video call to Combs and showed her – but she told him she “was not impressed” as she believed “he had something to do with the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur”.
She heard Combs remark that she would “pay” for her statement and dismissal of him, the court documents say.
The woman says she was at the friend’s home in Orinda, California, the following month, when the rapper arrived unannounced.
He told her again she would “pay”, the lawsuit claims, and approached her with a knife. He held it to the right side of her face “and threatened to give her a ‘Glasgow smile’ in retaliation for her previous statements on the video call”, the document says.
The woman alleges her clothes were removed and that Combs covered her in a substance she realised was an oil or lubricant, before picking up a television remote and “violently” raping her with it.
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September: Diddy’s lawyer speaks outside court
Combs is accused of telling the woman “her life was in his hands and that if he wanted he could ‘take her’ and she would never be seen again”, and also that he “owned her now”.
She was then raped by Combs and others “until eventually she had no control over her body nor could she move her body”, the lawsuit alleges. The rapper recorded some of this, she claims.
The woman says she eventually managed to run for help and that Combs offered her money to say she was a sex worker and that they had had consensual sex.
She says she told a local sheriff about her ordeal, but her complaint was “ignored”.
In a statement, Combs’ representatives said the rapper and his legal team “have full confidence in the facts, their legal defences, and the integrity of the judicial process”.
They added: “In court, the truth will prevail: that Mr Combs has never sexually assaulted anyone – adult or minor, man or woman.”
When planned lawsuits were announced on 1 October, one of his lawyers said he could not “address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus”.
Combs, 54, was once one of the most influential producers in hip-hop, and also known as a rapper in his own right, with hits including Bad Boy For Life and I’ll Be Missing You.
After being arrested in September, he pleaded not guilty to three felony charges accusing him of using his business empire, including record label Bad Boy Entertainment, to transport male and female sex workers across state lines to take part in recorded sexual performances called “freak offs”.
His criminal trial has been set for May 2025.
The killing of Tupac remained unsolved for more than two decades, but the case was reinvestigated in recent years.
In September 2023, former gang member Duane “Keffe D” Davis was charged with murder. His trial is due to take place in March 2025.
Local police said Payne had fallen from the third floor of a hotel in the capital Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening.
He is said to have suffered “extremely serious injuries”.
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said on Argentinian television that Payne fell into a courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood.
He declined to answer further questions about the incident, including whether Payne jumped from the balcony or fell by accident.
Pablo Policicchio, a spokesperson for the security ministry of Buenos Aires municipality, said police were called to the hotel in response to an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol”.
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Fans gather outside the hotel where Liam Payne died
Payne’s social media post hours before death
Payne had posted on Snapchat in the last few hours, and in one video he said it was a “lovely day here in Argentina”.
“Just enjoying coffee and breakfast, even though it’s like 1pm,” he said. “Literally sleep in every day until like 12. We’re such losers.”
The star spoke about “going to ride some horses” and said: “Think I’m going to play polo again which is going to put me out of action for about six weeks.”
“It’s going to be a nice day,” he added.
It was not clear when the videos were filmed, but were posted hours before his death.
Why was Payne in Argentina?
Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend the concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan.
He was seen dancing at his show two weeks ago at the Movistar Arena alongside his girlfriend Kate Cassidy.
:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.
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1:59
Liam Payne dies: Sky’s Martha Kelner reports
Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said on Argentinian television that Payne fell into a courtyard of the CasaSur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighbourhood.
The official declined to answer questions over whether he jumped from the balcony or fell by accident.
Mr Crescenti said authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting a post-mortem examination.
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Fans hold a vigil for Liam Payne outside hotel
According to TV network Telemundo, police had been called to the hotel to reports of an aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Argentinian media reported that Payne was in Buenos Aires to attend the concert of his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan.
Hernan Palazzo, who works near the hotel, said the neighbourhood was “very shaken up… there’s a lot of police, some fans arriving. It is very sad.”
Fans flocked to the hotel after news of Payne’s death broke, with many expressing shock and heartbreak.
“I didn’t think he was going to die so young,” 21-year-old Isabella Milesi said.
Payne had posted on Snapchat in the hours before his death, sharing photos of himself with his partner Kate Cassidy as well as videos in which he said it was a “lovely day here in Argentina”.
“Just enjoying coffee and breakfast, even though it’s like 1pm,” he said. “Literally sleep in every day until like 12. We’re such losers.”
The star spoke about “going to ride some horses” and said: “Think I’m going to play polo again which is going to put me out of action for about six weeks.”
“It’s going to be a nice day,” he added.
Payne had embarked on a solo career after One Direction announced they were going on an indefinite hiatus in 2015.
The band was formed on The X Factor in 2010, with Payne alongside Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Harry Styles. They were mentored on the show by Simon Cowell.
Payne has a seven-year-old son called Bear with singer Cheryl, who was a judge on The X Factor. Their relationship began in 2016 but they split in 2018.
Tributes poured in for Payne following his death.
Former X Factor host Dermot O’Leary posted a photo of himself and Payne on Instagram: writing: “The worst news. I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing.
“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble. Sending love and prayers to his family.”
Charlie Puth, who collaborated with Payne on the track Bedroom Floor, posted on Instagram: “I am in shock right now.
“Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he is gone.”
Former X Factor contestants Jedward posted: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear and all the One Direction family.”
Another former contestant, TV presenter Rylan Clark, said: “Extremely sad news. (Very) tragic and so young. RIP Liam.”
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Liam Payne’s X Factor audition
Payne, who was born in Wolverhampton, had a complicated personal life and spoken openly about his struggles with alcoholism and mental health. He was also diagnosed with ADHD as an adult.
He had previously spoken about suffering with suicidal thoughts, admitting that he was “lucky to still be here”.
In 2019, Payne addressed his mental health on Sky show Straight Talking with Ant Middleton, where he spoke about his struggles with fame.
Describing fame as like “having a weird midlife crisis”, Payne said: “For some certain circumstances, I’m quite lucky to be here still.”
Since October 2022, Payne has been linked to influencer Cassidy, recently posting on Instagram that they “make each other better people”, and adding: “For the first time in my life I’m happy to be me and that’s priceless.”
He was previously engaged to Maya Henry, with their relationship ending in 2022.
Earlier this week, it was reported she had issued legal proceedings – instructing lawyers to issue a cease and desist letter to Liam – and she posted a video on TikTok claiming the singer had been repeatedly sending her unwanted messages.
Last week, the Sun reported Liam had parted with his management company and shelved plans for a second solo album.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
Kate Moss has made her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut, following her daughter on the catwalk – as the US lingerie brand brought its famous show back after six years.
Some of the world’s most famous models and musicians took part in the fashion show in New York, including sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid, Tyra Banks, and Adriana Lima.
Valentina Sampaio and Alex Consani also made history as they became the first transgender models to walk the famous Victoria’s Secret runway.
The show, which launched in 1995, was watched by millions of viewers each year at its peak.
However, it was cancelled in 2019 after suffering its lowest ratings the previous year. It had also begun to attract criticism for lack of diversity.
Now, it is “celebrating all women” with its return, the brand said.
Moss, 50, made a surprise appearance during the event in New York – appearing on the runway wearing a pair of feathered angel wings, walking to I Love Rock’n’Roll, just moments after her 22-year-old daughter, Lila.
Bella Hadid, 28, emerged during a performance from Cher – who sang a medley of her 1998 tracks Believe and Strong Enough, leading the show’s first line-up of all female music performers, including K-pop star Lisa and South African singer Tyla.
Banks, the former America’s Next Top Model host, returned to the show for the first time in two decades.
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The star, 50, broke her retirement to close the event, her first Victoria’s Secret runway since 2005.
Brazilian model Lima also made a comeback, having announced her retirement in 2018.
Cher’s boyfriend Alexander “AE” Edwards and US actor Dylan Sprouse were among the crowd, with Sprouse cheering on his model wife Barbara Palvin – showing family support with cardboard cut-outs of their pets.