Sean “Diddy” Combs, the music industry titan, credited as one of the most iconic names in hip-hop and music generally, has seen his legacy tarnished by a string of sexual misconduct and harassment allegations that began in late 2023. Here’s a timeline detailing the key events that unfolded, culminating in his recent arrest.

November 2023:

• Cassie Files Lawsuit: Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura accuses him of years of abuse and sexual assault. The lawsuit is settled for an undisclosed amount within 24 hours.
• More Accusations Emerge: Two additional lawsuits surface. One is from an anonymous woman claiming assault, while the other is from Joi Dickerson-Neal alleging drugging and rape in the early 1990s.

December 2023:

• Diddy Denies All Allegations: Combs vehemently denies the accusations through a public statement, calling them “sickening” and attempts to extort money.
• Brands Sever Ties: Facing mounting pressure, 18 brands cut ties with Combs’ e-commerce company, Empower Global.
• Hulu Scraps Reality Show: A planned Hulu reality series centered around Diddy’s family is shelved.

February 2024:

• Music Producer Sues: Music producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. accuses Diddy of sexual misconduct, assault, and harassment. Jones claims he was pressured into sex acts and drugged.

March 2024:

• Federal Raids: Homeland Security raids Diddy’s homes in Los Angeles and Miami in connection with a sex trafficking investigation.
• Combs Sells Revolt TV Stake: Negotiations to sell his stake in Revolt TV, a network he co-founded, reportedly conclude.
• Lawyer Blames “Witch Hunt”: Diddy’s attorney criticizes the raids as excessive and a “witch hunt,” vowing to clear his client’s name.

May 2024:

• Combs Fights Rape Claim: Diddy asks a federal judge to dismiss the lawsuit filed by Jane Doe, which accuses him and two others of raping her in 2003.
• Cryptic Message: Amidst legal battles, Combs posts a cryptic message on Instagram suggesting time will reveal the truth.
• Hotel Assault Video Surfaces: Shocking surveillance footage from 2016 shows Diddy physically assaulting then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura.
• Cassie Speaks Out: Ventura expresses her healing journey after domestic violence and the fear instilled by such behavior.
• L.A. Can’t Prosecute: Los Angeles authorities cannot charge Combs due to the assault video pre-dating the applicable statute of limitations.
• Combs Apologizes: Diddy finally apologizes for the hotel assault, acknowledging his wrongdoings and seeking a path towards improvement.
• NYC Considers Revoking Key to the City: New York City Mayor contemplates revoking the prestigious Key to the City award bestowed upon Combs in 2023.
• Former Model Sues: Crystal McKinney adds to the list of accusers, alleging Diddy forced her to perform oral sex in 2003.

September 2024:

• Diddy Arrested: A grand jury indicts Combs, leading to his arrest in Manhattan. He is accused of running a racketeering conspiracy involving sex trafficking, forced labor, and bribery.
• Charges Revealed: Prosecutors unveil the indictment, detailing how Combs allegedly used his power and influence to exploit and silence victims.
• Denied Bail Twice: A federal judge denies Combs bail twice due to flight risk and potential witness intimidation concerns.

Diddy’s future remains uncertain as he awaits trial for these serious charges.