Updated: May 22, 2024 / 10:43 AM CDT
This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault and suicide that may be disturbing to some readers. The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-4673 to provide support and resources and you can reach the National Crisis line by dialing 988 to find help in your area.
Following multiple accusations from other women, former model Crystal McKinney has filed a lawsuit saying Sean “Diddy” Combs drugged and assaulted her at his recording studio in 2023.
The lawsuit was filed days after CNN aired security video that shows Combs attacking singer Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel hallway in 2016. Combs on Sunday released a video admitting he attacked Cassie in the hotel hallway, saying he was “truly sorry” and his actions were “inexcusable.”
Combs is not in danger of being criminally prosecuted for the beating because of the statute of limitations.
According to the lawsuit, McKinney, who was 22 at the time, was flown to New York by a fashion designer who introduced her to Combs. She said the designer began to control her appearance, making her have her hair done and wear clothes that Combs would find her attractive in.
She was introduced to Combs at an event where the court filing says he was making advances toward her. Following the event to his recording studio where she says she was met by Combs and other men who offered her marijuana, which she later came to believe had been laced with another drug.
McKinney said she was also given alcohol and once intoxicated, was taken into another room where Combs forced her to perform oral sex on him. She said she later lost consciousness and woke up in the back of a taxi.
After that night, McKinney alleges opportunities began to disappear for her in the modeling business and she became depressed to the point of attempting suicide.
She is seeking damages for the assault and the impacts on her career and long-term mental health.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
