Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a fresh legal challenge as ex-model Crystal McKinney files a lawsuit alleging sexual assault and professional blackballing dating back to 2003.
McKinney, then 22, says she met Combs at a Men’s Fashion Week event in New York City. She claims she was invited to his studio, where she joined Combs and his crew in drinking Hennessy and smoking marijuana. After consuming what she believes was a potent joint laced with an unknown substance, McKinney reported feeling disoriented.
McKinney’s career highlights include being featured on MTV’s “True Life” episode “I’m A Model” in 2019 and winning the Mission Model competition in 2018. She also walked in MTV’s Fashionably Loud runway show that same year.
However, McKinney alleges that her promising career took a dark turn after the encounter with Combs. The lawsuit states that Combs led her to a bathroom where he initiated unwanted physical advances, eventually forcing her to perform oral sex. McKinney says she lost consciousness and later woke up in a taxi, realizing she had been sexually assaulted. Specific details of the assault are vague in the lawsuit.
The alleged assault took a severe emotional toll on McKinney. She recounted experiencing deep depression and attempting suicide in 2004. Her decision to come forward with her story was influenced by seeing similar allegations against Combs in four other lawsuits.
This lawsuit adds to the growing list of legal issues faced by Combs. He recently settled a lawsuit with ex-girlfriend Cassie out of court in November 2023. The case resurfaced after surveillance footage showed Combs assaulting Cassie in 2016, backing up her previous claims.
The lawsuit against Combs comes at the same time as the release of a new documentary by Tubi and TMZ titled The Downfall of Diddy, which explores the controversies surrounding the music icon. The documentary, released last week, has brought renewed attention to the allegations against Combs.
As the legal proceedings unfold, McKinney’s lawsuit is set to bring more scrutiny to Combs’ past actions, shining a light on the darker aspects of the entertainment industry.
