Dawn Richard Was 'Absolutely Terrified' of Diddy, Singer’s Lawyer Says

Mar. 15, 2025

Dawn Richard, Diddy.Photo:Paras Griffin/Getty; Rebecca Sapp/WireImage

Dawn Richard and Diddy

Paras Griffin/Getty; Rebecca Sapp/WireImage

Dawn Richard, who was a member of two ofSean “Diddy” Combs’groups, was “absolutely terrified” of the music mogul, her attorney Lisa Bloom says.

Richard sued Combsin September alleging that he sexually abused her. She also alleged that she witnessed him physically assaulting his then-girlfriend,Cassie Ventura. Combs is currentlybeing heldin Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center on sex trafficking, racketeering and prostitution-relatedcharges. His attorneys made their third attempt for him to be released on bail Friday, Nov. 22, anda decision is expected next week.

In an interview withthe BBC’s Newsnightthat aired on Thursday, Nov. 21, Bloom said Richard alleged that Combs “groped and grabbed her body parts, sexually assaulted her, that he not only failed to pay her money that was promised to her, but actually prevented her from eating and sleeping during those years - just treated her terribly.”

The attorney added that Richard saw Combs' alleged “severe acts of violence” toward Ventura and other women.

Sean “Diddy” Combs.Steve Granitz/WireImage

Honoree Sean “Diddy” Combs attends the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Sean “Diddy” Combs

Steve Granitz/WireImage

When Richard attempted to confront Combs about it, “she was threatened with more physical violence,” Bloom continued. “She said Sean Combs had a vicious temper and she was absolutely terrified of him … [it was] just a really violent, tumultuous atmosphere.”

Bloom told the outlet that she is representing a second individual making claims against Combs related to his “freak-off” parties, where he allegedly orchestrated sexual acts with sex workers.

“Many other people already have come forward with the allegations that people were drugged, that they were forced into sexual activity in order to have business deals with Sean Combs,” the attorney continued.

Dawn Richard, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.Kevin Winter/Getty, Steve Granitz/WireImag

Dawn Richard, Sean “Diddy” Combs

Kevin Winter/Getty, Steve Granitz/WireImag

(L-R) Kalenna Harper, Dawn Richard, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs.Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic, John Shearer/Getty,  Paras Griffin/Getty

Kalenna Harper, Sean Combs, Dawn Richard

Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic, John Shearer/Getty,  Paras Griffin/Getty

The Bad Boy Records founder also denied claims of witness tampering concerning Harper, with Wolff noting that her statement was simply “two witnesses having divergent recollections of similar events.

PEOPLE reached out to Bloom and a representative for Combs for comment.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

source: people.com