Diddy accused of rape in retaliation for Tupac murder comment

Sean “Diddy” Combs faces new allegations of rape and assault in a lawsuit filed in California, adding to a growing list of legal troubles for the music mogul.

Ashley Parham claims Combs raped her as “payback” for suggesting he was involved in Tupac Shakur’s 1996 murder.

According to the lawsuit, Parham initially refused to participate in a video call with Combs, stating she believed he “had something to do with the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur”.

Combs allegedly overheard this comment and threatened she would “pay” for it.

About a month later, Parham alleges Combs unexpectedly appeared at a friend’s home, where he threatened her with a knife and “violently” raped her with a television remote control. The lawsuit claims Combs told her that her life was in his hands and that she “would never be seen again” if he desired.

Parham says she was then raped by multiple individuals and eventually attempted to escape as gunshots were fired in her direction. She claims to have reported the incident to local law enforcement, but no further action was taken.

This case is part of more than a dozen claims of rape, sexual assault, and physical abuse filed against Combs in the past year. Six new cases were lodged in New York on Monday, including allegations that he molested a 16-year-old boy at a party in his mansion.

Combs is currently being held at a detention centre in New York, awaiting trial on federal criminal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. His lawyers have filed a motion requesting the identities of his accusers and argued for his release on bail, citing “horrific” conditions in the detention centre.

Prosecutors argue that Combs poses a risk of witness intimidation. His trial is tentatively scheduled to begin on 5 May 2025.

Combs has consistently denied all claims of sexual assault and any involvement in Shakur’s murder. His lawyers have described previous lawsuits as a “money grab” and “clear attempts to garner publicity”.