Sean 'Diddy' Combs, the hip-hop mogul, is confronting fresh allegations of sexual battery in California. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has confirmed that Diddy, aged 56, is under a new criminal investigation, even as he seeks to overturn his federal conviction.
The accuser, publicist Jonathan Hay, filed a police report in September in his hometown of Largo, Florida. Hay alleges that Diddy sexually battered him on two separate occasions, once in 2020 and again in 2021.
Details of the Allegations
In the first incident, Hay claims that Diddy masturbated into one of the Notorious B.I.G.'s shirts before telling the producer to 'come finish him off.' Diddy allegedly ejaculated and threw the shirt at Hay. In the second incident, Hay asserts that Diddy called him a 'snitch' and forcefully placed his penis in the producer's mouth.
According to Venusse D. Dunn, the DA's chief of communications, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) presented separate presentations on their investigations into a single alleged victim's claims to the District Attorney's Office. Dunn added that the case is currently under review.
Hay's Statement
In a statement to the Daily Mail on Monday, Hay described himself as a 'survivor' of Diddy and said that 'having my painful experiences heard and validated by the LAPD and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is an undeniable turning point.' He continued, 'This progress marks a significant victory in my fight for total accountability. I am certain that justice will be achieved and that full responsibility will be enforced.'
According to TMZ, which first reported on the DA's probe, Hay filed his police report in Largo, Florida, but it was subsequently transferred to Los Angeles, as that is where the alleged crimes occurred.
Background of the Case
Hay said he had been enlisted to help remix a track originally recorded by Wallace, also known as The Notorious B.I.G., who was 24 when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in 1997. Hay was working on a Biggie Smalls tribute project remix with the late rapper's son, CJ Wallace, who was also named as a defendant in his lawsuit for allegedly conspiring to 'allow or assist in Combs' ability to carry out' his sexual battery.
In his civil suit, Hay said that Diddy, a close friend and collaborator of Wallace's, dropped by the studio during a September 2020 session and criticized their work, urging him to take ketamine to improve the music. Hay later accompanied Diddy and his entourage to a warehouse in Los Angeles, where some of the Notorious B.I.G.'s clothing was stored before being donated to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Hay's lawsuit claimed he was left alone with Diddy, who allegedly masturbated onto a shirt belonging to his late friend. Diddy then ordered Hay to 'come finish him off' to reach climax, according to the suit. Diddy allegedly ejaculated onto the shirt and tossed the soiled clothing at Hay, contaminating his own clothes.
The civil suit further alleged that in March 2021, Diddy grabbed Hay's head and forced him to perform oral sex against his will. The publicist added that the alleged experience left him feeling suicidal.
