Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing new legal trouble as Sara Rivers, a former member of Making the Band 2, has filed a lawsuit accusing him of abuse, sexual misconduct, and financial exploitation during her time on the hit MTV reality show.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ Hip Hop, Rivers claims Diddy subjected her to mistreatment that was broadcast to millions, including the infamous cheesecake incident, where she and her group, Da Band, were forced to walk across New York City to fetch him dessert.
The lawsuit, filed by attorney Ariel Mitchell, alleges that Rivers was pressured to sleep in an open bay with four male bandmates despite being married, with threats of expulsion if she refused. She also accuses Diddy of sabotaging her career, withholding her earnings, and ultimately dismantling the group while keeping control of the profits.
Additionally, Rivers makes serious allegations of sexual harassment and assault, claiming Diddy once cornered her, blocked her from moving, and inappropriately touched her.
The lawsuit also names MTV, Viacom, Diddy’s mother Janice Combs, and his former assistant Fonzworth Bentley, among others.
Diddy’s legal team has denied all allegations, calling them “false claims” and suggesting the lawsuit is a last-minute attempt to take advantage of the expiring deadline for New York’s Gender-Motivated Violence Act.
“This is yet another example of false claims being filed against Mr. Combs,” his representatives stated. “Mr. Combs has never sexually assaulted or sex trafficked anyone… Opportunists are rushing to file last-minute, meritless claims. Mr. Combs remains confident he will prevail in court.”
The lawsuit marks the latest in a series of legal battles for Diddy, raising further scrutiny over his past business practices and treatment of artists.
