Judge Allows New Sexual Assault Lawsuit Against Diddy to Proceed

A Los Angeles judge has ruled that a new sexual assault lawsuit against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs can move forward, rejecting attempts to have the case dismissed.

The decision clears the way for claims brought by music producer Jonathan Hay, who alleges that Combs assaulted him during a studio session in 2020. Court filings indicate that the judge found sufficient grounds for the allegations to be examined in court.

Speaking to The New York Post following the ruling, Hay described the decision as a significant moment in what he called a deeply troubling chapter of his life.

According to the lawsuit, Hay claims he was given drugs during studio sessions before being subjected to a non-consensual and degrading encounter involving Combs. The suit further alleges that the incident involved a personal item once owned by late rap icon The Notorious B.I.G., adding to what Hay described as the humiliation surrounding the alleged assault.

The legal action also names the estate of The Notorious B.I.G. and his son, Christopher “CJ” Wallace, as co-defendants. Hay claims they were aware of Combs’ alleged behaviour and that Wallace played a role in drawing him into the situation.

Los Angeles authorities confirmed that a criminal investigation into the alleged incident was opened last year.

Hay said he had initially been eager to participate in the project because of his admiration for The Notorious B.I.G., who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles in 1997.

“I’m a huge fan — that’s why I agreed to the project,” Hay said. “It was an honour to work with the estate. Then Sean Combs came along and changed everything.”

Combs, who is currently in custody on unrelated matters, has not publicly responded to the latest ruling.