Sean "Diddy" Combs, the chairman of cable television network Revolt, has temporarily stepped down amid multiple sexual abuse allegations. Revolt announced Combs' decision on social media, stating that he had no operational or day-to-day role at the network. The network emphasized its commitment to creating meaningful content for the culture and amplifying the voices of all Black people. Combs, a founder of Revolt, declined to comment further on the matter.
The allegations against Combs began earlier this month when R&B singer Cassie accused him of raping and beating her during their on-and-off relationship, which started in 2005 when she was 19 and he was 37. Cassie alleged that the rape occurred in 2018 when she tried to end the relationship. Shortly after she filed a lawsuit, Combs and Cassie reached a settlement.
Following the settlement, two more women came forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Combs. Both lawsuits were filed last week, taking advantage of the Adult Survivors Act, a New York law that allows victims of sexual abuse to file civil action regardless of the statute of limitations.
The lawsuits detail acts of sexual assault, beatings, and forced drugging allegedly committed by Combs in the early 1990s when he was a talent director and party promoter in New York City's hip-hop community. Combs has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing the women of exploiting the temporary extension of the statute of limitations provided by the New York law.
Combs is a highly influential figure in the hip-hop industry, known for his work as a producer and executive. He founded Bad Boy Records and has collaborated with numerous top-tier artists. In addition to his music career, Combs created the fashion clothing line Sean John and produced the reality show "Making the Band" for MTV. His most recent studio album, "The Love Album: Off the Grid," earned two Grammy nominations this year.