Dawn Richard claims her former mentor Sean “Diddy” Combs continued to intimidate her even after his arrest.
In a 39-page response filed last week in Manhattan federal court, Richard’s lawyers argue that her lawsuit should move forward because Diddy’s alleged abuse and threats never stopped.
The singer, known for her work in Danity Kane and Dirty Money, accuses him of sex trafficking, forced labor, and gender-based violence. She says she waited to file her case because she feared for her safety.
The filing states that Richard was repeatedly warned to keep quiet after witnessing Diddy assault Cassie Ventura, per AllHipHop.
He allegedly told her, “If you say anything there will be consequences. People end up missing.” She also recalls him shouting phrases like “I make people go missing” and “You want to die today,” which her team says made her fear he would act on his threats.
Her attorneys claim the intimidation went on for years after their professional relationship ended in 2012. They describe a pattern of harassment, manipulation, and emotional control disguised as guidance. The document also references Diddy’s federal criminal case, where prosecutors described him as a “serial obstructor.”
Richard’s lawyer, Lisa Bloom, says Diddy tried to interfere with a witness in her case last year from behind bars. The filing says that the incident proved Richard’s fears were justified and showed that his attempts to intimidate her continued even after his 2024 arrest on trafficking and racketeering charges.
“There is no indication that Combs’ ability or willingness to act on his threats ever ceased,” it reads.
Richard also describes mistreatment during her time working with Diddy on Making the Band and with Dirty Money. She alleges he deprived her of food and sleep, groped her, and demanded sexual favors. When she pushed back, she says he retaliated by cutting her from songs and withholding pay. She further accuses Diddy and associate Harve Pierre of confining her in a car and later in a room after she confronted him about his behavior.
In addition to the abuse claims, Richard says Diddy used her vocals without consent on his 2023 album The Love Album: Off the Grid. She says her voice can be heard on the track “Deliver Me,” which was recorded in 2009 and never licensed for release.
Diddy has denied all allegations. He is currently serving a four-year sentence at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey.