Sean Combs, also known as Diddy, a prominent figure in the music industry, has been accused of sexual abuse, coercion, and violence by his former business partner Kirk Burrowes, the co-founding partner and former president of Bad Boy Entertainment. The allegations surfaced in an 18-page complaint filed by Burrowes’ lawyer Tyrone Blackburn on February 28 in New York. The complaint paints a disturbing picture of Combs subjecting Burrowes to repeated sexual harassment, physical aggression, and forced compliance with degrading sexual acts over a span of more than a decade, as revealed in court documents obtained by PEOPLE.
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According to the complaint, Combs is accused of engaging in unwanted sexual advances towards Burrowes during what was perceived to be business meetings. The allegations further claim that Combs escalated his control over Burrowes by resorting to physical violence, blackmail, and financial extortion, culminating in Burrowes giving up his 25% ownership stake in Bad Boy Entertainment. This is not the first legal action taken by Burrowes against Combs, as he previously sued him in 2003 but the case was dismissed due to the statute of limitations.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Combs’ legal team dismissed the latest lawsuit as a frivolous attempt to re-litigate claims that have been repeatedly thrown out of court over the past 30 years. The claim against Combs’ mother, Janice Combs, for allegedly taking control of Burrowes’ stake in Bad Boy following threats of violence is also part of the ongoing legal battle. These allegations add to the series of claims made against Combs, including accusations of sexual misconduct by more than a dozen individuals, which he has vehemently denied.
The complaint details various incidents dating back to the early 1990s where Burrowes alleges Combs engaged in sexual coercion, exhibitionism, and physical violence in the workplace. Combs is accused of creating a toxic environment of fear and psychological manipulation to assert control over Burrowes, ultimately leading to the relinquishing of his ownership stake in the company. The filing also includes claims of post-termination harassment and blacklisting aimed at damaging Burrowes’ career prospects.
Recent allegations in the complaint shed light on incidents as recent as 2019, where Combs is accused of aggressive and humiliating behaviour towards Burrowes in public settings. The complaint paints a troubling picture of a history of violence and intimidation, with Burrowes seeking redress for the physical, emotional, and financial harm inflicted upon him. The complaint requests a jury trial to address the alleged devastation caused by Combs’ actions over the years.
These serious allegations have added to the legal troubles faced by Combs, who is also facing federal criminal charges such as sex trafficking and engaging in prostitution, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The trial is set for May, with Combs currently detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. The latest complaint against Combs signifies a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the music mogul and his former business partner, shedding light on disturbing allegations of abuse and coercion.
The accusations against Combs underscore the importance of addressing issues of sexual misconduct and abuse in all industries, including the music business. The gravity of the claims made by Burrowes against such a prominent figure in the music industry highlights the need for accountability and justice in cases of alleged abuse. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how these allegations will impact Combs’ career and reputation in the music industry.