Disclaimer: The article contains mentions of rape, assault, and sex trafficking. Reader discretion is advised.
TMZ documentary The Downfall of Diddy explores the multiple accusations against the renowned rapper P Diddy. The rapper made the headlines in November 2023 when Diddy’s ex-partner, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit, claiming that the musician sexually assaulted her between 2007 and 2018. Since then, several women have come forward with allegations of rape and trafficking. The documentary sees Diddy’s former partners and work colleagues opening up about the accusations.
In the documentary, singer Aubrey O’Day spoke about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Diddy. Citing the documentary, FOX News reported that O’Day experienced mistreatment from Diddy, who fired her from the band Danity Kane. The publication mentioned that O’Day had to alter the “course” of her entire life following her fire. She said, “The mistreatment was enough for me to have to spend a good amount of time in the hands of professionals to learn what grooming is and unlearn the grooming.” She added, “I’ve been in physically abusive situations. The verbal ones hurt me way more.”
Subsequently, former hip-hop executive Suge Knight defended Ventura, stating that she was not a liar. However, he also clarified that Diddy should also get a chance to tell his “truth.” Knight said, “I don’t think Cassie’s a liar because we know what type of stuff goes on. And I just say it like this … I don’t think Puffy needs to be destroyed or hung or put to death. I think that Puffy or if it’s me or anybody else, we should be able to tell our truth.”
The documentary also exposed the widespread silence within the industry regarding the allegations against Diddy. “The radio silence around this case, in my opinion, is highly unusual,” a former CIA officer said in the documentary.
The Downfall of Diddy is available for streaming on Tubi.
Why did Diddy come out with an apology video?
For many months, Diddy vehemently denied all the rape, trafficking, and assault charges against him. However, CNN recently shared a video in which the rapper can be seen assaulting Ventura in the hallway of a hotel. The video became viral on social media and prompted Diddy to post an apology video on his disgraceful behavior. Taking it to Instagram, the I’ll Be Missing You singer apologized for his “inexcusable” behavior and took full responsibility for his actions. He said, “It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, but sometimes you got to do that.”
Adding, “I hit rock bottom — but I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now.”
In the video, Diddy added that he sought out professional help and went into therapy. The rapper said, “I went and I sought out professional help. I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. I had to ask God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.”
The apology video comes a couple of days after CNN released a surveillance clip in which Diddy kicked and dragged his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. In the video, Diddy chases Ventura in the hallway with a towel around his waist. When he reaches her, the rapper grabs her by the neck and throws her to the ground. However, the rapper didn’t stop there and violently kicked her before taking her suitcase and purse.
Subsequently, Ventura’s lawyer issued a statement saying that the clip confirms the “predatory” behavior of Diddy. The statement added, “Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light.”
What are the accusations against the rapper?
In November 2023, Cassie Ventura filed a lawsuit against Diddy and accused him of raping and abusing her throughout their relationship. People Magazine reported that Diddy allegedly sexually assaulted her after Ventura broke up with him. At the time, Diddy denied the allegations and called them “outrageous.” Moreover, Ventura’s lawyer claimed that Diddy offered her a massive amount of money to settle the lawsuit. Although she initially refused the offer, Ventura ultimately resolved the matter with Diddy to their “mutual satisfaction.”
A week later, another woman filed a complaint and accused Diddy of drugging and raping her in 1991. According to People Magazine, the woman was a college student when the incident took place. The lawyers of the complainant claimed that their client was a victim of “revenge porn,” accusing the musician of recording the video and distributing the tape within the music industry. Once again, Diddy denied the accusations and called the lawsuit a “money grab.” However, things became worse when a third woman came forward with sexual assault allegations.
Citing the third lawsuit, the publication mentioned that Diddy and another musician raped the complainant and one of her friends in New York City over three decades ago. Following this, two more women accused the rapper of sexual assault, gang rape, and sex trafficking. One of the women claimed that Diddy and other men “viciously gang raped” her at the age of 17. As a result, Diddy issued a statement to People Magazine and slammed everyone who tried to “assassinate” his character.
He said, “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday. Let me be absolutely clear: I did not do any of the awful things being alleged. I will fight for my name, my family, and for the truth.”
In the middle of sexual abuse allegations, Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) raided Diddy’s properties in Los Angeles and Miami. According to ABC News, federal agents executed the raid as part of an “ongoing investigation.” Citing the source, the media outlet claimed that the raids took place after the sex trafficking accusations. After the raid, Diddy’s attorneys called the raid a “gross use of military-level force.”
Afterward, Diddy and his team of lawyers filed an appeal in the court, requesting to dismiss one of the rape cases. In December 2023, a woman accused the singer-songwriter and two of his friends of raping her in New York. Per the Associated Press, the victim was 17 years of age when the incident took place. In their appeal, Diddy’s lawyers cited the law and argued the timing of the accusations before calling them “false and hideous.”
The court documents stated, “Mr. Combs and his companies categorically deny Plaintiff’s decades-old tale against them, which has caused incalculable damage to their reputations and business standing before any evidence has been presented. Plaintiff cannot allege what day or time of year the alleged incident occurred, but miraculously remembers other salacious details, despite her alleged incapacitated condition.”
As of now, authorities have filed no criminal charges against the rapper. However, his music career has taken a serious hit after the allegations. Per The Hollywood Reporter, there was a substantial dip in streaming activity between December 2023 and May 2024. The report suggested a decrease of 51.8 percent in tracks under his stage name, Diddy. According to the report, the streams dropped from 2,624,000 to 1,265,000. Meanwhile, Puff Daddy recorded a similar decrease of 48.3 percent.
