P Diddy arrest: Why your favorite Hollywood stars could be in trouble | World News

Investigation against Diddy

US federal authorities deepened their investigation into Combs in March, with searches of his Los Angeles and Miami properties broadcast live. Meanwhile, Combs himself was on board his private jet. Since then, despite several accusations and lawsuits against him, many high-profile celebrities have been criticized for their visible silence, sparking outrage across social media platforms.

Diddy’s charges and arrest

Sean “Diddy” Combs has been the subject of several lawsuits, most alleging serious misconduct, including sexual assault and abuse. The main allegations come from several women, including his former partner, Cassie Ventura, and others, who have accused him of years of physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

Combs’ arrest follows a series of allegations and lawsuits that began to surface in late 2023, including from his former girlfriend, singer Cassandra Ventura (known as Cassie). She accused him of a range of serious offenses, from sexual assault to orchestrating disturbing “panic” events, during which she was allegedly forced to perform sexual acts. Ventura’s lawsuit, filed in November 2023, was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount, but the revelations have since evolved into a broader criminal investigation. The accusations against Combs are supported by claims that he used his influence, power and wealth to manipulate, abuse and coerce his victims.

Federal Lawsuits Against Diddy

Combs faces several criminal charges, with at least four high-profile cases recently making headlines. These lawsuits center on allegations of sexual assault, trafficking and abusive behavior. These are :

1. Trial of Cassie Ventura (November 2023): Cassie accused Diddy of physical and sexual abuse during their decade-long relationship, detailing instances of rape, forced drug use and violent control. His lawsuit was settled quickly, with both sides releasing statements, but without Diddy admitting any wrongdoing.

2. Trial of Adria English (July 2024): Adria English, a former porn star, filed a lawsuit accusing Diddy of sex trafficking and grooming her for sexual performances at his parties.

3. Trial of Derrick Lee Cardello-Smith (September 2024): A man named Cardello-Smith accused Diddy of drugging and raping him at a party in 1997. He won a $100 million default judgment against Diddy.

4. Allegations by Dawn Richard (September 2024): Former singer Dawn Richard has accused Diddy of verbal, physical and sexual abuse during her time in her girl group Danity Kane. She claimed to have witnessed abuse of others, including underage girls being exploited at her parties.

These lawsuits allege that Diddy engaged in racketeering, sex trafficking and orchestrating elaborate sex shows, called “freak offs,” involving multiple people and often under the influence of drugs. The allegations also include physical assault and controlling behavior towards women.

Diddy denies all allegations

Diddy has always denied all accusations, with his legal team maintaining that the relationships and activities were consensual. Following the settlement with Cassie, Diddy’s statement indicated a desire to move forward without admitting guilt.

Combs and his lawyers also slandered some of the petitioners, calling their accusations a “money grab.”

Why are Hollywood bigwigs staying silent about Diddy?

The allegations against Diddy sparked widespread public outrage, with netizens sharing old interview clips with the rapper, highlighting problematic statements he had made.

Lyrics to Eminem’s song Fuel, released in July on the album titled “The Death of Slim Shady,” have drawn attention on social media in what is seen as a scathing allegation against Combs, commonly known as P Diddy. The lyrics say: “I’m like a RAPIST. I have so much SA (huh) / Wait, he didn’t just spell the word “rapper” and leave out a P, did he?

However, not all celebrities have spoken out on the subject, raising questions about Combs’ loved ones. Many Hollywood personalities attended his famous parties, worked alongside him or benefited from his mentoring. Now questions are being asked about what they knew about the alleged activities and whether they, too, could face scrutiny.

P Diddy and Jay-Z

As legal proceedings continue, attention has also focused on the relationship between Combs and Jay-Z, as the two are considered close friends. Although Jay-Z has a long-standing friendship and professional collaboration with Combs, his silence has been noticed by the public. Rapper 50 Cent mocked Combs and Jay-Z for their association, using social media to imply that Jay-Z is distancing himself from the scandal.

P Diddy and Justin Bieber

Bieber, who rose to fame as a teenager, spent time with Combs early in his career. Media reports that for a 2009 video, Bieber spent 48 hours with Combs, which raised questions about the nature of their relationship, although no illegal activity was implied. Bieber was around 15 years old at the time. Bieber has not spoken publicly about Combs’ recent legal troubles.

P Diddy and Usher

Usher was sent to live with Combs in 1994, when he was around 15, to work on his first album. Usher described the experience as eye-opening, specifically mentioning being initiated into sexual activity at Combs’ home. Despite this, Usher has remained largely silent about the details of his time with Combs, although he once remarked that he would not send his children to live with him. Usher has not commented on the arrest or Combs’ allegations.

P Diddy and Jennifer Lopez

Lopez dated Combs from 1999 to 2001, a period marked by a nightclub shooting in which both were involved. While Lopez spoke positively about the lessons she learned from Combs, she confirmed infidelity during their relationship. Lopez has also remained silent on the recent allegations against Combs.

P Diddy and Ashton Kutcher

A clip from a 2019 interview with Ashton Kutcher on “Hot Ones” has resurfaced where the actor hinted at Diddy’s party secrets. These parties have been linked to reports of drugs and nudity. Kutcher met Diddy in 2002 while on MTV’s Punk’d and Making the Band. The two men share a long friendship, with Kuttcher being a regular attendee at Combs’ events and even co-hosting the 2009 White Party.

Kutcher also recently faced backlash for defending his That ’70s Show co-star Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape last year. This led him to resign from his tech company, Thorn, and also raised concerns about his work advocating for trafficked children.

P Diddy and Kid Cudi

Kid Cudi, who was reportedly involved in a brief relationship with Ventura, found himself the target of Combs’ ire, with allegations that Combs was behind an arson attack on Cudi’s car. This incident was confirmed by Cudi’s team.

Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian and Mariah Carey

Combs’ famous parties, particularly his “white parties”, have also been the center of attention, with many A-list celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Kim Kardashian and Mariah Carey, in attendance over the years. Although these events resurfaced following his arrest, no criminal activity is linked to them.

Celebrities like Meek Mill, who have been linked to Combs, have denied rumors and speculation about their relationships. Mill notably rejected allegations of any sexual involvement with Combs.

Are celebrities obligated to speak out on public issues?

As celebrities increasingly express their opinions on various public and political issues, the question of whether these public figures should comment remains controversial. Critics say it is not their responsibility to speak out on these issues and many celebrities have faced backlash for sharing their opinions on political issues such as Gaza. Meanwhile, others still feel it’s important for celebrities to take a stand on social issues, especially when they involve those in the media industry.

As the case against Combs is ongoing, this could have legal implications.